Music Director

The Office for the Arts and the Harvard Jazz Orchestra proudly present 2026 Distinguished Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Stefon Harris, and a special 20th Anniversary Performance by the Harvard Jazz Alumni Band, featuring Aaron Goldberg ’96, Sara Lazarus ’84, and Don Braden ’85

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Harvard Jazz Orchestra: 2026 Jazz Master-in-Residence Stefon Harris

Harvard University

Stefon Harris & Blackout, led by the visionary vibraphonist Stefon Harris, is a pioneering force in contemporary jazz. Harris has been named DownBeat Critics Poll Vibraphonist of the Year multiple times and has been heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by the Los Angeles Times. Characterized by a stellar lineup of musicians, Stefon Harris & Blackout seamlessly blend funk, R&B, and global influences, transcending traditional jazz boundaries. Their music showcases a dynamic interplay of intricate arrangements and soulful improvisation, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the modern jazz landscape. Their live performances promise an electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and further shaping the evolving narrative of jazz expression. This is their SMF debut.

Stefon Harris & Blackout

Trustees' Garden

A disciple of Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, Stefon Harris belongs to the grand lineage of vibraphonists in jazz. A member of the SFJAZZ Collective from 2007-13, Harris has performed with Joe Henderson, Wynton Marsalis, Buster Williams, Kenny Barron, Cassandra Wilson and many other legends, and made his recording debut as a leader on Blue Note Records in 1998, when he was only 25. His ongoing Blackout project pays tribute to the jazz pantheon while exploring closely related territories: pop, R&B, hip-hop. His forthcoming album, LEGACY DANCES, is his fifth with the band.

Stefon Harris & Blackout / Theo Croker

SFJAZZ Center

Stefon Harris is a four-time Grammy-nominated jazz vibraphonist, educator, and thought leader, hailed as "one of the most important artists in jazz" (Los Angeles Times). A recipient of the Doris Duke Artist Award and the Martin E. Segal Award, Harris has been named Best Mallet Player by the Jazz Journalist Association and Best Vibes Player by DownBeat Magazine. He currently tours with his Grammy-nominated band, Blackout, and has released eleven albums as a leader, collaborating with jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Diana Krall.

Guest Workshop: Stefon Harris

Margaret Morrison Carnegie Hall

Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from right here in New Jersey. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. The NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choir will be joined by special guest Stefon Harris.

Music Director

Stefon Harris

Events

Past events

Apr 11, 2026

Harvard Jazz Orchestra: 2026 Jazz Master-in-Residence Stefon Harris · Harvard University Department of Music

Mar 25, 2026

Stefon Harris & Blackout · Savannah Music Festival

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