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
Luciana Souza performs with Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz on Latin American tour
Luciana Souza, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist and USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member, performed with Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra on their debut Latin American tour. Led by artistic director and bandleader/trumpeter Sean Jones, the ensemble gave concerts in Brazil and the Dominican Republic from July 27–August 8. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton.
Hanna Norman announced as winner of Leimert Park Jazz Festival college scholarship
Hanna Norman, a USC Thornton Jazz Studies student, was announced as the winner in the Vocalist category of Leimert Park Jazz Festival’s inaugural college scholarship. Norman will receive a $1,500 award and perform in the Emerging Artists set at the 6th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival on Saturday, August 30. A versatile jazz, neo-soul and… Continue reading Hanna Norman announced as winner of Leimert Park Jazz Festival college scholarship
Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “The Balusters” on Broadway
Tony Winner and Jazz Studies alumna Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) will star in the world premiere of the Broadway play, The Balusters. The production is set to open in spring 2026 at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Kenny Leon, The Balusters follows the Vernon Point… Continue reading Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “The Balusters” on Broadway
Donald Vega released new single, “Two Words: Bud Powell”
Grammy-nominated pianist and USC Thornton alumnus Donald Vega (’99) released his latest single, “Two Words: Bud Powell.” Featuring John Patitucci and Lewis Nash, this track is one of the unreleased compositions from his acclaimed 2023 album, As I Travel. The single is inspired by Vega’s admiration for Powell’s artistry and influence on Vega’s musical journey.… Continue reading Donald Vega released new single, “Two Words: Bud Powell”
Gerald Clayton performs in Hollywood Bowl’s “WE ❤️ LA” concert
Pianist, composer and USC Thornton Artist-in-Residence Gerald Clayton (’07) performed at the “WE ❤️ LA” concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 1. Clayton played piano with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.” Featuring Christina Aguilera, Los Angeles Master Chorale and Palisades Charter High School Band, this free concert honored wildfire… Continue reading Gerald Clayton performs in Hollywood Bowl’s “WE ❤️ LA” concert
Clarence Penn Featured in Mix Magazine
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Clarence Penn was featured in Mix Magazine as a member of the American Patchwork Quartet (APQ). Formed in 2019, the group is comprised of vocalist Falguni Shah, guitarist/producer Clay Ross, drummer/percussionist/associate producer Clarence Penn, and acoustic and electric bassist Yasushi Nakamura. In the article, they shared their origin story… Continue reading Clarence Penn Featured in Mix Magazine
Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Paul Cornish (‘18) has signed with Blue Note Records and will release his debut album this summer. The Los Angeles-based pianist and composer performed in the NYC Winter Jazzfest’s Brooklyn Marathon on Jan. 11. “Blue Note Records has meant a lot, not only to me, but also my hometown of… Continue reading Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Composer, trumpeter and USC Thornton Jazz Studies department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ‘07) announced his new album, honey from a winter stone, will be released via Nonesuch Records on Jan. 17. The album features improvisational vocalist KOKAYI, pianist Sam Harris, Chiquitamagic on synthesizer, drummer Justin Brown and Mivos Quartet. The opening track, “muffled screams,” is… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”
Tony Winner and Jazz Studies alum Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) will star in All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love, premiering Dec. 11 at the Hudson Theatre in New York. Written by Simon Rich and directed by Alex Timbers, All In is a series of hilarious stories about dating, heartbreak and marriage. The production… Continue reading Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”