Jazz Minute • SFJAZZ At Home

History of the Resident Artistic Director Program

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On this Jazz Minute, discover the story behind one of SFJAZZ’s most forward‑thinking traditions. Since its launch in 2013, the Resident Artistic Director (RAD) program has been a catalyst for boundary‑pushing creativity—bringing visionary artists into deep collaborations with SFJAZZ and its community. 

From Jason Moran’s live‑skateboarding improvisation, to Laurie Anderson’s immersive Lou Reed Drones, to Terence Blanchard’s groundbreaking Champion—the RAD program has sparked some of the most iconic moments in SFJAZZ history. Featuring visionaries like esperanza spalding, Bill Frisell, Rosanne Cash, Christian McBride, Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer and more, this tradition continues to shape the future of the music.

The next wave of “RADs” make their way to SFJAZZ this Spring, including Omar Sosa (March 5–8, 2026), Immanuel Wilkins (March 26–28, 2026), Meshell Ndegeocello (April 30–May 2, 2026), and Makaya McCraven (May 21–24, 2026). (The fifth “RAD” this Season is Michael League, who performed in January, 2026 – you can watch his Listening Party here, and his duet with Snarky Puppy collaborator Bill Laurance here).

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