Trumpetist

Experience the bluesy side of John Coltrane in his first - and only - studio session as leader for Blue Note records: Blue Train. Teaming up with trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Kenny Dre, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Coltrane wrote all but one of the compositions on the album - rare at the albums' time of release - and described the album as one of his favorite recordings.

John Coltrane's Blue Train

Jacobs Music Center

First up, the evocative, mysterious Tangata. Tango and Ballet come together to create a world of dangerous beauty within the sensual music of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla.

Then, Carnival of the Animals gets a new life, set to a world premiere Latin jazz score by San Diego’s own trumpeter and composer Gilbert Castellanos with the Gilbert Castellanos Quartet.  Join us on this dazzling look at the animal kingdom through the lens of Latin rhythms.

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Carnival of the Animals and Tangata

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

In this unique concert, the West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band—led by Josh Nelson and Kevin van den Elzen—gives audiences the rare opportunity to experience two of the most iconic jazz versions of Broadway musicals ever created.

Essential Jazz Albums – Live Porgy And Bess & My Fair Lady

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Monterey Jazz Festival brings together 20 of the most accomplished high school jazz musicians from across the country to form the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (NGJO), directed by GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton. Established in 1971, tenure in this year's NGJO culminates in a main stage performance in September at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Next Generation Jazz Orchestra Combo

Monterey County Fairgrounds

​Join Gilbert Castellanos and friends as they celebrate Miles Davis and his all-star band. One of the greatest albums of all time and the best-selling jazz album ever, Miles Davis' masterpiece Kind of Blue is as relevant and revered today as when it was recorded. Released on August 17, 1959, this concert celebrates the 65th anniversary of Davis' acclaimed album.

Miles Davis: Kind of Blue

Embarcadero Marina Park South

The artistic collaboration between Duke Ellington and composer/ arranger Billy Strayhorn is one of the most important in the history of American music. Duke Ellington trusted Billy Strayhorn’s artistic gifts from the moment he joined the band in 1939, until Strayhorn’s death in 1967. Strayhorn wrote many of the songs we associate with the Duke Ellington Band today, including their theme song “Take the A Train”, “Satin Doll”, “Something to Live For” and many more.

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

Join Artistic Director Javier Velasco, the artists of the San Diego Ballet, and special guest SDB resident composer Gilbert Castellanos for this truly unique evening “pulling back the curtain” on the various facets of the artistic process. Featuring conversations, performances, and sneak peeks into next year’s artistic offerings, this is a not to be missed opportunity for lovers of art to get up close and personal in a beautiful, intimate setting. 

Imagine the Creative Spirit

The Thursday Club

Considered one of the nation’s top-call jazz trumpeters, Gilbert Castellanos is a renowned  musician, composer, educator and arranger. Skilled with impressive dexterity and control, his  clarity of expression and improvisational fluency moves audiences with a seemingly profound effortlessness and complexly emotive affect.

Gilbert Castellanos

Boston Court Pasadena

One of the greatest albums of all time and the best-selling jazz album ever, Miles Davis’ masterpiece Kind of Blue is as relevant and revered today as when it was recorded in 1959. Join Gil and his band as they celebrate this seminal recording by Davis and his all-star band.

Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center

This is his story, these are his songs.

The second most recorded Jazz musician of all time, Thelonious Monk’s eccentric charisma, unique improvisational style and percussive approach set the standard for – not just Jazz musicians, but – musical icons ever since.

Join Gilbert Castellanos, Gerald Clayton, Lewis Nash, Russell Malone, Rodney Whitaker and special guest Charles McPherson for an evening celebrating one of Jazz’s most influential characters.

Straight, No Chaser: The Music Of Thelonious Monk

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Spend Valentine's Day with loved ones and the music of Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker and Dinah Washington.

Trumpetist

Gilbert Castellanos

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 14, 2026

Songs for Lovers: The Music of Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker, and Dinah Washington · San Diego Symphony

Past events

Nov 29, 2025

John Coltrane's Blue Train · San Diego Symphony

Feb 15, 2025

Carnival of the Animals and Tangata · San Diego Ballet

About

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