The SFJAZZ Gala 2023 was held on May 4, 2023 at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, honoring Founder and Executive Artistic Director Randall Kline with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award. Attended by 900 guests, the SFJAZZ Gala raised $2.16 million for SFJAZZ education and artistic programs.
In the past 40 years, Kline grew a small community festival into a San Francisco cultural institution and one of the most influential jazz organizations in the world. After a lifetime of championing this uniquely American art form, he is stepping down in November 2023. SFJAZZ was founded in 1983, and 2023 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the organization and the 10th Birthday of the SFJAZZ Center.
The All-Star SFJAZZ Gala Concert was hosted by NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves, the SFJAZZ featured exclusive musical collaborations between artists who have had a long relationship with the organization. Artists included Regina Carter, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Ravi Coltrane, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Harland, Branford Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, John Santos, SFJAZZ Collective, Veronica Swift, and Miguel Zenón (musical director).
The SFJAZZ Gala After-Party featured Trombone Shorty from New Orleans and global music pioneers Red Baraat.
