The Big Chief Donald Harrison

NEA Jazz Master Big Chief Donald Harrison takes center stage at Pinecrest Gardens on Saturday, January 18, as part of the 2024-2025 Jazz Series. A versatile saxophonist and composer from New Orleans, Harrison is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to jazz, soul, funk and classical music. Hailed as a genius by music icons like Eddie Palmieri and Mike Clark, Harrison's influence spans across generations and genres.

Recognized as the Big Chief of Congo Square in Afro-New Orleans culture and a Chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Harrison’s impact goes beyond music, reaching deep into cultural traditions. His extensive career includes collaborations with jazz greats such as Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and Ron Carter. Harrison’s innovative spirit is reflected in his pioneering of three distinct jazz styles: a modern jazz interpretation of the New Orleans second-line tradition, nouveau swing and smooth jazz hits of the '90s.

In 2022, Harrison received the prestigious NEA Jazz Master Award, a testament to his enduring influence on the jazz world. His mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty and Esperanza Spalding. Harrison’s exploration of music through quantum physics in the 2000s further highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.

The performance will take place in the historic Banyan Bowl, an amphitheater known for its acoustics and geodesic dome.

Single tickets go on sale in September.