Yellowjackets to perform Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 19
Grammy-winnning Yellowjackets—the jazz fusion ensemble comprising USC Thornton faculty members Will Kennedy and Bob Mintzer, retired faculty member Russell Ferrante and bassist Dane Alderson—is set to take the main stage at the 28th Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 19. Founded in 1999 as a nonprofit organization with “a mission to keep the art form of… Continue reading Yellowjackets to perform Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 19
Josh Kun
Josh Kun is Professor and Chair in Cross-Cultural Communication at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Vice Provost for the Arts at the University of Southern California. He is also an author and editor of books and anthologies and a curator of art, music and public humanities projects. Kun’s research and practice… Continue reading Josh Kun
Adam Hawley named Billboard’s “Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist of the Year”
Adam Hawley (MM ’06, DMA ‘10) has been named Billboard’s 2025 Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist of the Year, getting more airplay than any other artist in the genre. He’s also contributed to four of Billboard’s Top 50 tracks of 2025 as a producer, co-writer and mixing engineer, including his own songs “Absolute Love (feat. Judah… Continue reading Adam Hawley named Billboard’s “Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist of the Year”
Angela Meade stars in Verdi’s “Nabucco” at the LA Opera
Angela Meade (MM ’04) starred in LA Opera’s Nabucco as part of their 2026-2027 season. A revival of Thaddes Strassberger’s production directed by Domingo Hindoyan, the opera ran from Feb. 27 to March 21. Her vocal prowess has been covered by several major news outlets. The New Yorker said the following: “Meade is astounding. …… Continue reading Angela Meade stars in Verdi’s “Nabucco” at the LA Opera
Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night
On Sept. 12, USC Thornton undergraduate students Taylor Lee and Quinn Sims opened for former USC Thornton jazz studies faculty member Roy McCurdy at LACMA’s Jazz Night, where McCurdy was honored with the L.A. Jazz Treasure Award. The Taylor Lee Trio features pianist Taylor Lee, bassist Quinn Sims and drummer Ishaan Natarajan. In 2024, Lee… Continue reading Taylor Lee Trio opens for Roy McCurdy at LACMA Jazz Night
Greg Phillinganes
Greg Phillinganes is one of the world’s most sought-after keyboard artists. A Detroit native and music veteran for 50 years, he began his career in 1975 with Stevie Wonder as part of his band, Wonderlove. Since leaving Stevie in 1979, Phillinganes went on to record, perform, tour and/or write with a staggering array of Grammy… Continue reading Greg Phillinganes
Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) won a Chanel Next Prize for her work in music and poetry. The biennial Chanel Next Prize is awarded to 10 contemporary artists in various disciplines around the world who “are defining what is new and next in contemporary art and culture.” The winners receive… Continue reading Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
Luciana Souza featured in November 2023 issue of DownBeat Magazine
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Luciana Souza was on the cover of DownBeat Magazine for their November 2023 issue. In this issue, the Brazil-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer discussed her collaboration with the renowned Trio Corrente on her new album, Cometa. Photo courtesy of Luciana Souza.
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2022-2023 Year in Review
Looking back on a remarkable year at USC Thornton.