San Jose Jazz's New Works Fest Spotlights Rising Bay Area Artists

Talented musicians perform commissioned works as part of the annual winter series

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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San Jose Jazz's New Works Festival is showcasing six Bay Area artists who have received commissions from the organization to create new works. The series runs from February 20 to March 14 at the intimate SJZ Break Room, featuring a diverse lineup of up-and-coming and veteran musicians spanning jazz, soul, R&B, and more. The $15 tickets provide an affordable opportunity for audiences to discover these talented artists.

Why it matters

The New Works Festival is an important initiative by San Jose Jazz to nurture and support local musicians, providing them with both financial resources and a platform to debut their original compositions. In a competitive music landscape, these commissions can make a significant difference in helping artists develop their craft and reach new audiences.

The details

The festival opens on February 20 with soul-influenced singer-songwriter Luqman Frank, who has worked as a studio musician for artists like Ledisi and Santana. His commissioned piece 'Fighting for Each Other' was inspired by immigration activism. Other highlights include saxophonist Ashley Jemison making her South Bay debut on February 21 with her commission 'Movin' Up,' and vocalist Ouida presenting her song 'Fiends' on March 13, blending soul, jazz, and alt-R&B. Veteran South Bay drummers Phil Hawkins and Sylvia Cuenca are also featured, showcasing their new works 'Pompaté' and 'Tempel-Tuttle' respectively.

  • The New Works Festival runs from February 20 to March 14, 2026.
  • The festival opens on February 20 with a performance by Luqman Frank.
  • Ashley Jemison makes her South Bay debut on February 21.
  • Ouida presents her commissioned work 'Fiends' on March 13.
  • The festival concludes on March 14 with a performance by Sylvia Cuenca.

The players

San Jose Jazz

A non-profit organization that presents the annual New Works Festival, providing commissions and a platform for Bay Area musicians to debut original compositions.

Luqman Frank

A Richmond-based soul-influenced singer-songwriter who has worked as a studio musician for artists like Ledisi, Santana, and Yolanda Adams.

Ashley Jemison

An Oakland-based saxophonist making her South Bay debut as a bandleader, known for her blend of jazz, R&B, pop, and soul.

Ouida

An El Cerrito-based vocalist and songwriter inspired by old-school soul, jazz, and alt-R&B, recently featured on Ruby Ibarra's Tiny Desk Contest-winning song.

Phil Hawkins

A veteran drummer from Santa Clara presenting his commissioned work 'Pompaté' as part of the festival.

Sylvia Cuenca

A renowned drummer from San Jose closing the festival with her commissioned piece 'Tempel-Tuttle.'

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What they’re saying

“This is an opportunity to get some of my favorite musicians and producers together. Each one has a producer thing going on. We all went into the studio and created the song together.”

— Luqman Frank, Singer-songwriter (San Jose Mercury News)

“Getting the commission was kind of a surprise. I've been the back-of-the-band person, supporting someone else. Now I'm coming to the front of the stage.”

— Ashley Jemison, Saxophonist (San Jose Mercury News)

“I like having that contrast. I think about when I was living in Ireland and the grittiness of the visual scenery, the aching simplicity of love and human experience in such a grey environment.”

— Ouida, Vocalist and songwriter (San Jose Mercury News)

What’s next

The New Works Festival will continue to be an annual part of San Jose Jazz's winter programming, providing opportunities for more Bay Area artists to debut new commissioned works in the future.

The takeaway

San Jose Jazz's New Works Festival is a valuable initiative that supports the local music scene, empowering both emerging and established artists to create and showcase their original compositions. The affordable ticket prices and intimate venue make it an accessible way for audiences to discover talented musicians in the Bay Area.