Luther S. Alison & Poiesis (Secaucus, NJ): Pianist Luther S. Allison leads the group with trumpeter Brandon Woody, alto saxophonist Markus Howell, trombonist Jeffery Miller, bassist Jonathon Müir-Cotton, and drummer Joe Dyson.

Amina Scott Quintet (New Orleans, LA): Led by bassist Amina Scott, the band comprises pianist Oscar Rossignoli, trumpeter Steve Lands, tenor Saxophonist Gladney, and drummer Peter Varnado.

Bokani Dyer Trio (Johannesburg, South Africa; New York, NY): Pianist and vocalist Bokani Dyer is joined by Timothy Norton on bass and vocals and Lumanyano Mzi on drums

and vocals.

James Fernando Trio (Philadelphia, PA): Led by pianist James Fernando, the band includes Dan McCain on bass and Kyon Williams on drums.

The 2026 DCJazzPrix program is made possible by major support of The Leonard and Elaine Silverstein Family Foundation and Venable Foundation. The DCJazzPrix award is made possible by the generous support of the Gillon Charitable Fund and the Galena-Yorktown Foundation.