Every generation needs artists who remind us that jazz isn’t simply something to preserve.
It’s something to celebrate.
Bria Skonberg is one of those artists.
If you’ve followed JazzBuffalo over the years, you know I’ve often written that jazz is America’s most enduring art form because it never stands still. It respects tradition, yet it has always welcomed new voices, fresh ideas, and musicians willing to leave their own mark.
Bria represents that spirit beautifully.
She understands the history of jazz as well as anyone performing today. You can hear Louis Armstrong in the joyful spirit of her trumpet. You can hear the influence of the great jazz vocalists in her phrasing. But what makes Bria so compelling is that she never sounds like she’s trying to be anyone else.
She sounds unmistakably like Bria Skonberg.
That’s one of the reasons she has become one of the most celebrated artists of her generation. A JUNO Award winner, multiple-time DownBeat Rising Star, and recipient of the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook’s Legend Award, Bria has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Newport, Monterey, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Carnegie Hall, and leading jazz festivals throughout Europe and North America.
Awards and accolades tell only part of the story.
What impresses me most is the joy she brings to the stage.
Bria performs it with energy to be admired.
You can see it in the way she plays. You can hear it in the confidence of her trumpet. You can feel it in her voice. Before long, the audience isn’t simply listening to the music—they’re sharing in the experience.
That’s a rare gift.
What I find especially compelling is that Bria continues to grow as an artist.
Her acclaimed recording What It Means reflected on life, family, and the influence of New Orleans—the city that helped shape jazz itself. More than a collection of songs, it became a statement about what matters most: making music that brings people together and honors the traditions that inspire us. It beautifully blended original compositions with imaginative interpretations, demonstrating that jazz can continue to grow yet remain deeply connected to its roots.
Since then, Bria has taken her journey even further with two remarkable companion recordings that reveal two sides of her artistry.
Brass places the spotlight on her trumpet. Bold, adventurous, and full of imagination, the album allows listeners to experience Bria primarily as an instrumentalist. With only a single vocal selection, every performance points to why she has become one of today’s most respected jazz trumpeters. One of the album’s highlights is her interpretation of Harold Arlen’s “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” a wonderful example of her appreciation for one of Western New York’s greatest musical treasures.
Then came Indigo.
Where Brass explores the language of her trumpet, Indigo turns its attention almost entirely to her vocals. Richly orchestrated and emotionally intimate, it reveals another dimension of Bria as an interpreter of song. She has spoken about the desire to develop each of her talents independently before bringing them together again—a fascinating approach that leaves listeners with an even more appreciation for the depth of her musicianship.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Bria Skonberg is a trumpeter who sings or a singer who plays trumpet, these recordings provide the answer.
She’s both.
And she excels at each.
Joining Bria in Lewiston will be pianist Jon Thomas, bassist Liany Mateo, and drummer Zach Adleman—three outstanding musicians who have become important collaborators in her recent concerts and recordings.
Jon Thomas is widely respected for his lyrical touch, harmonic imagination, and versatility is an ideal musical partner for an artist who moves between expressive vocals and brilliant trumpet work.
Bassist Liany Mateo and drummer Zach Adleman complete a rhythm section known for its musicality, sensitivity, and versatility. Together, they provide the foundation that allows Bria’s artistry to flourish.
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that great jazz isn’t simply about exceptional individual musicians. It’s about bringing together artists who know how to listen, respond, and create something in the moment.
That’s exactly the kind of experience I expect audiences will enjoy when Bria Skonberg and her quartet take the Main Stage in Lewiston.
There’s another reason I believe Bria is such a wonderful fit for the Lewiston Jazz Festival.
She has a genuine love for the Great American Songbook, including the music of Harold Arlen. That connection feels especially meaningful here in Western New York, where Arlen’s music continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike. Bria approaches these timeless songs with deep respect while bringing her own creativity to every performance.
That’s exactly what jazz has always done.
It respects the past while creating something new.
That’s why I believe Bria Skonberg is one of the artists representing the future of jazz.
She reminds us that tradition isn’t about looking backward.
It’s about giving today’s musicians something meaningful to build upon.
On Saturday, August 29, the Lewiston Jazz Festival welcomes Bria Skonberg to the Main Stage as one of our featured headliners.
If you already know her music, you’ll understand why she has become one of the defining artists of her generation.
If this is your first opportunity to experience Bria, I think you’ll quickly discover why audiences around the world leave her performances smiling.
She’ll inspire you with her trumpet.
She’ll move you with her vocals.
And together with an exceptional quartet, she’ll remind you that jazz continues to be one of America’s most vibrant, joyful, and evolving art forms.
That’s exactly the kind of experience I hope people discover at the Lewiston Jazz Festival.
(If my recommendation has you thinking about joining us in Lewiston to experience Bria, a limited number of $25 reserved seats are still available near the Main Stage. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy the performance while supporting the festival.)
Reserve your seats here: https://www.lewistonjazz.com/jazzclubtcks
