San Antonio’s Jazz’SAlive is returning for its 43rd year, showcasing the breadth of the musical art form with headliners focused on its New Orleans and Latin traditions along with contemporary sounds that incorporate funk, soul, hip-hop and more.
The free festival will take place this Friday and Saturday at Civic Park at Hemisfair with trombonist and NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis and his Uptown Jazz Orchestra headlining the first night and Latin jazz icon and ten-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval taking the top slot for the second.
Marsalis, a member of the acclaimed Marsalis musical family, is known for incorporating creative and often conceptual ideas into music rooted in traditional New Orleans jazz. As an in-demand producer, he’s also worked with his brothers Branford and Wynton Marsalis along with Harry Connick Jr. and Courtney Pine.
Trumpeter, pianist, composer and bandleader Sandoval has cemented his place in the jazz pantheon by incorporating Afro-Cuban rhythms along with elements of big band and classical music. The Kennedy Center Honoree’s Jazz’SAlive performance is the only free date on his 2026 world tour.
Among other artists, Friday’s bill also includes classically trained pianist Yuko Mabuchi, who blends jazz with soul and contemporary influences, along with Grammy-nominated drummer Blaque Dynamite (Mike Mitchell), known for high-energy performances that incorporate hip-hop and experimental influences into jazz fusion.
Saturday’s lineup is rounded out by performances from artists including Mexico City-born jazz singer, songwriter and actress Magos Herrera and saxophonist BillyRay Sheppard, known for his crowd-pleasing approach to smooth jazz.
A full schedule of acts and their set times for this year’s Jazz’SAlive is available online.
Although the show is free, the organizers are also selling VIP tickets online that include New Orleans-inspired bites, complimentary drinks and access to an exclusive speakeasy-style lounge.
Free or $250 and up for VIP experience, 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 25-26, Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 South Alamo St., (210) 468-1575, saparks.org/events/jazzsalive-2026.
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