Gregory Porter, a renowned singer and songwriter from Bakersfield, California, was influenced by the Southern Gospel music of Bakersfield and his mother’s Nat King Cole albums. He began his music career singing in jazz clubs in San Diego before moving to New York City to pursue music full-time. His first albums, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), earned Grammy nominations. Porter has become one of the most famous contemporary jazz artists, with five albums reaching the Top 10. He won two Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and was nominated seven times. His 2021 album Still Rising includes new songs and covers. Porter’s music reflects his growth as an artist and person, despite his global success and touring demands.

Larceny – a name that playfully nods to jazz’s finest kind of “theft”: the art of reimagining harmony. Yet this band performs only original compositions, blending catchy melodies with modern sonic textures, always in pursuit of musical beauty. Their debut album Crosscurrent (XJAZZ!Music) was inspired by a journey to the Faroe Islands and explores themes of becoming, fading, and being. Since forming in 2021, the collective has gained international attention – with Cheap Sheep added to Radio Swiss Jazz, a performance at jazzahead! Clubnight 2024, and a win at the jazzopen stuttgart 2025 playground BW Competition.