Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet

“Fiercely gifted young trumpeter…a rising star.”—New York Times

The word has been building about the prodigious talent of jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire (pronounced ah-KIN-moo-SEE-ray) from Oakland, California. After winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz competition in 2007 and honing his skills as a bandleader in New York clubs, he released his Blue Note Records debut, When the Heart Emerges Glistening, last year to rapturous critical acclaim. Now you’ll want to be there when he and his band show their stuff in the intimate setting of our Performance Space.

When the Heart Emerges Glistening topped New York Times critic Nate Chinen's list of the best of 2011. And, in a rave four-star review, DownBeat exclaimed, “Akinmusire’s forceful outing is as noteworthy for the strength of the overall concept as for the individual accomplishments of its leader, head-turning as they are.” That reviewer added that “the music and the band vibe are wonderfully original and current” and concluded, “clearly something very special and personal is at work here, a vision of jazz that’s more intellectually restless than blowing sessions.” Akinmusire’s touring quintet (most of whom were featured on his Blue Note CD) features tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Sam Harris, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown.

Set up cabaret-style, our Performance Space offers a perfect venue for live jazz. You experience the music up close with superb sound and can sip wine, beer, or a soft drink as you enjoy the show.

The Wexner Center's May concerts by Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey are part of National Chamber Music Month, an initiative of Chamber Music America.