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SFJAZZ is excited to partner with Diablo Regional Arts Association and the Lesher Center Presents Headliners series on another season of concert events in Contra Costa County. Curated by SFJAZZ, this thrilling line-up of internationally recognized jazz artists returns for a second year in residence at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts during the 2026-27 Season. 

SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE: Wayne Shorter's Native Dance and New Compositions
January 14, 2027, 7:30pm 
Hofmann Theater 

ABOUT THE SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE
Founded in 2004, the SFJAZZ Collective is our all-star resident ensemble and composer’s workshop that represents what’s happening now in jazz. The group features saxophonist and band director Chris Potter, saxophonist David Sánchez, trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Kendrick Scott. 

For this performance, the septet performs the music of Wayne Shorter’s 1975’s iconic album Native Dancer — a hugely influential collaboration with Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento whose influence continues to resonate. The Collective bring their interpretive power to the material, along with a fresh batch of original compositions inspired by Shorter’s mid-decade masterpiece.  

Released by Columbia Records in January of 1975, Native Dancer is an early triumph of the so-called “world fusion” movement, blending jazz, rock, funk, and Brazilian elements over its nine tracks. Featuring notable Shorter compositions “Beauty and the Beast.” “Diana,” and “Ana Maria” as well as four Nascimiento works including the classic “Ponta de Areia,” Native Dancer is a landmark in modern jazz and a perfect vessel for fresh explorations.  

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