Headlining artists
Reno Jazz Festival is proud to welcome the following artists to our 2026 festival.

Kris Davis + Manzanita Quintet
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall
Kris Davis is a Grammy-winning pianist and composer hailed by The New York Times as a beacon for modern jazz. With 25 albums as a leader or co-leader and collaborations with artists like Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, and Esperanza Spalding, she has earned top honors including Pianist of the Year from DownBeat and the Jazz Journalists Association. Davis also serves as Associate Program Director at Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, founder of Pyroclastic Records, and co-founder of the International Creators and Collaborators Workshop.

Ben Wendel + Jazz Lab 1
Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall
Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel, co-founder of Kneebody, has performed with artists from Prince to Bill Frisell and released acclaimed solo projects including The Seasons and All One. A celebrated composer, educator, and collaborator, Wendel brings his innovative artistry to the stage in a performance not to be missed.