Last week, San Francisco’s creative pulse was on full display as the SFJAZZ Gala transformed Miner Auditorium into a celebration of legacy, community, and the enduring vitality of jazz. With moving tributes, unforgettable performances, and heartfelt reflections from artists and advocates alike, the evening was more than a concert—it was a tribute to the spirit of jazz and its power to connect us.

Click above to watch our insider coverage of this special event! 

At the center of the evening was legendary producer and Blue Note Records president Don Was, who received the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award.

With a career that spans decades and genres—from working with the Rolling Stones to elevating voices like Gregory Porter—Was remained humble about the recognition, describing it as “very touching” and admitting he was “really moved” by the effort others made to honor him.

For him, jazz has always been more than music. It’s a lifeline—“a secret language” that soothes, energizes, and brings clarity in the midst of life’s chaos. “It represents freedom,” he said, “and that kind of expression has great meaning in a much larger picture.”

During the evening, Was reflected on a formative childhood memory—sitting in a car outside a Detroit grocery store, waiting for his mom, listening to jazz on the radio. He described hearing a performance by Joe Henderson that pulsed with energy and defiance as if Joe was saying to Don, “You got to groove in the face of adversity.” It was, he said, a strong testimony to the power of this music. In that moment, he realized something: “Being part of sharing music that helps people make sense of the chaos—that’s really all I’ve ever tried to do.”

That reverence for jazz and its role in the cultural fabric of San Francisco was echoed by many throughout the night, including Mayor Daniel Lurie, who spoke with civic pride and a strong sense of cultural purpose.

Reflecting on the city’s connection to SFJAZZ, he shared that “this night is all about celebrating what's great about jazz—but also what’s great about San Francisco.”

He recalled being present at the organization’s opening night party years ago and spoke about witnessing the building rise from the ground up—calling it a proud milestone for the city.

The evening, he emphasized, wasn’t just a celebration of music, but of community. “In a time when so many things try to divide us,” he said, “music always brings us together.” And in that sense, SFJAZZ has become more than an institution—it’s a vital part of San Francisco’s cultural heartbeat.

The evening also marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the organization with the introduction of incoming CEO Gabrielle Armand, who joins SFJAZZ after nearly two decades at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Having spent most of her life on the East Coast, Armand described this new role as a dream come true and spoke with excitement about joining a city known for being “inclusive, innovative, and creatively bold.”

Her arrival signals a powerful partnership with Terence Blanchard, SFJAZZ’s Executive Artistic Director, now completing his second full year in the role. A Grammy-winning trumpeter and Oscar-nominated composer, Blanchard spoke with deep admiration for the art form—and the space it gives artists to evolve. “It’s the freedom,” he shared. “But it’s also the well-thought-out construction of these compositions. You think of someone like Herbie Hancock or Wayne Shorter—their work is just incredible. And even within that structure, there’s freedom. It allows the music to change and grow every day.”

He referenced his time on the road with Hancock, who at 85 still pushes boundaries nightly. For Blanchard, that constant reinvention is what keeps jazz vital. “San Francisco has been a place for a lot of innovation for a long time,” he said, noting that some of his favorite albums were made right here. That spirit of innovation—and SFJAZZ’s role in nurturing it—is what makes this community so meaningful to him.

Among those most excited to see this new leadership team in place was Tammy L. Hall, who noted how meaningful it is to see “a Black woman running our organization.”

She sees the current moment as a turning point, sharing that “we’ve entered a new era—with Mr. Blanchard and Ms. Armand—and I’m excited about all the possibilities ahead. It’s only uphill from here!”

That sense of momentum and hope was echoed by Delroy Lindo, who didn’t just show up to co-host the event—he came to support a longtime friend and fellow creative force.

“The driving force for me being here tonight is Terrence,” Lindo shared. “Seeing him at the helm of SFJAZZ is incredibly exciting.” He reflected on how the organization has grown into something deeply rooted in the community—central, fundamental, and, in his words, “awe inspiring.”

Bassist and composer Marcus Shelby, a longtime fixture in the Bay Area jazz scene, reflected on SFJAZZ’s impact in his artistic life, sharing, “I will always call this a home, and I’m always happy to be here to play, support, or enjoy music.”

His words underscored how deeply SFJAZZ resonates with local musicians—not just as a performance venue, but as a cultural home where creativity is nurtured and community thrives.

From start to finish, the evening was a testament to jazz’s ability to hold space for legacy and experimentation, for reverence and reinvention. It was a night of joy, remembrance, and above all, possibility.

To explore upcoming performances and support the organization’s mission, click HERE!