Blue Note President Receives SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award at Annual Gala

San Francisco’s jazz community gathered in splendid style on June 12, as SFJAZZ presented its annual gala at the organization’s stunning Hayes Valley venue, celebrating both musical excellence and the power of philanthropy. The evening honored legendary producer and Blue Note Records President Don Was with the prestigious SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound impact on jazz and culture. The benefit raised $1.4 million for the SFJAZZ’s vital community programs. 

Under Terence Blanchard’s artistic direction, the concert showcased an incredible lineup including jazz great Charles Lloyd, saxophone virtuoso Ambrose Akinmusire, vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa and the incomparable Lisa Fischer. The evening’s most moving tribute honored the late Zakir Hussain, beloved tabla master and former SFJAZZ Trustee, with intimate performances that brought tears to many eyes. Celebrity hosts Delroy Lindo and Paul Reiser kept spirits high throughout the evening, while DJ Andre Power and DJ Wonway Posibul energized the after party. Distinguished guests including Chris Larsen and Mary Miner, whose late husband Robert Miner’s name graces the SFJAZZ auditorium, demonstrated the enduring support that makes SFJAZZ’s mission possible.