Tucson, AZ---Bringing together the premier jazz talents in the world is something that Tucson Jazz Festival Executive Director Khris Dodge does very well. Among those talents heading to Tucson for the 12th annual festival in January is jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner who was recently named and honored by The Gilmore Awards as their inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist award winner.
The Gilmore Awards have been presented in the past to classical pianists. This is the first year a jazz winner has been named as well. The award is not only a huge honor for the 38-year-old Fortner, but for the entire jazz community. The prestigious award also comes with a $300,000 prize, a significant amount in the jazz scene.
When asked in a recent Forbes Magazine interview how important the award was not just for him but for other young artists. Fortner said, "It's very affirming and it shows that people actually care about the music and about culture, and about something that is something that is American at its core and that exists because of merit. It can encourage and if anything, it also inspires young musicians, in particular pianists, to continue to practice and to continue to learn and to expand and to challenge themselves to be as good as musicians, but as humans".
Sullivan Fortner Receiving the Gilmore Award
The HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival will take place January 16-24, 2026. The Sullivan Fortner Trio will perform two shows at the Century Room on January 17 - 6:30pm and 8:30pm, and at the Jazz Brunch at The Grand on January 18 at 10:30am. For tickets and additional information on the complete lineup visit www.tucsonjazzfestival.org
About the Tucson Jazz Festival
Presented by HSL Properties, The Tucson Jazz Festival’s mission is to influence the discovery and celebration of live jazz performance and music education through community engagement anchored by a world‑class jazz festival in downtown Tucson. Since 2015, the festival has woven together international artists, rising stars, and Tucson’s vibrant cultural roots-bringing unforgettable performances, educational outreach, and artistic connections to the heart of the city. For additional information, visit www.tucsonjazzfestival.org/. Artist photos and assets are available upon request.
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