San Jose Jazz announced the lineup for its annual Winter Fest concert series with Taylor McFerrin, Kris Bowers and Kendrick Scott  performing with Taylor Eigsti among the headliners.

Returning to venues throughout downtown San Jose starting Feb. 27 to March 8, Winter Fest will also host performances from the Marc Cary Focus Trio, Mads Tolling Quartet with Tierney Sutton, and Les Yeux Noirs.

Winter Fest marks the encore performance of Brooklyn-based Taylor McFerrin, who drew a sold-out crowd at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest earlier this year. The composer and pianist, also the the son of vocalist Bobby McFerrin (of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” fame), released his debut album Early Riser this summer to widespread critical praise with a fusion of influences from free-form jazz to classic hip-hop and electronic music.

LA-based Kris Bowers offers another look at the future of jazz with arrangements that also push the boundary of the genre with elements of rock, R&B and other disciplines.

Kendrick Scott, a long-time member of the Terence Blanchard band, is regarded as one of the top drummers of his generation. His band mate for Winter Fest, Taylor Eigsti, is a Grammy nominated pianist and composer with previous experience working with Esperanza Spalding and celebrated late composer Dave Brubeck.

Also a composer, Scott has written music  symphony orchestras and jazz ensembles across the country, and recently composed the theme music to the feature film, Detatchment. 

San Jose Jazz Winter Fest Lineup:

National Headliners
Taylor McFerrin
Kris Bowers
Kendrick Scott & Taylor Eigsti
Marc Cary Focus Trio
Mads Tolling Quartet with Tierney Sutton
Les Yeux Noirs

Bay Area Youth Ensemble Performances
San Jose State University Jazz Orchestra
San Jose Jazz High School All Stars
Folsom High School Jazz Band Big Band
Santa Teresa High School Big Band
Valley Christian High School Big Band
Archbishop Mitty High School Big Band

Ticket sales begin for San Jose Jazz Winter Fest Jan. 15.