Playlist: Innovators in Residence

This playlist embodies the exploratory spirit of the SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Directors program, from its earliest seasons to today (2013 - present), highlighting artists, collaborations and SFJAZZ premieres that have shaped jazz over the past two decades

Iconic moments of the “RAD” program include: Jason Moran’s multimedia performance that paired live skateboarding on a mini‑ramp improvising alongside his Bandwagon trio; Laurie Anderson’s atmospheric Lou Reed Drones installation at SF’s Grace Cathedral, which activated Reed’s guitar collection in resonant feedback loops using the cathedral’s natural seven-second reverberation; and a restaging of Terence Blanchard’s seminal Champion: An Opera In Jazz.

The list goes on, and includes esperanza spalding, Bill Frisell, Rosanne Cash, Christian McBride, Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer and countless more visionary artists (see the full list here). Together, these groundbreaking residencies reflect the fearless innovation that’s shaped the music right here in San Francisco.

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).