Jazz at the Library: The Jazz Sextet

JazzFresno, the Fresno County Public Library, KFSR 90.7 FM, and the Woodward Park Friends of the Library will host a free, in person and open to the public Jazz at the Library presentation on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodward Park Regional County Library located at 944 E. Perrin Ave. (Champlain & Perrin), Fresno, CA 93720.

Please join us as scientist and trombonist, Chris Amemiya, discusses the art of the jazz sextet. In the evolution of jazz, the sextet occupies a “Goldilocks” zone. It emerged in the mid-20th century as the perfect compromise: nimble enough to swing like a small combo, yet large enough to create the rich, three-part harmonies of a big band. On the East Coast, groups such as Art Farmer’s Jazztet and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers created hard driving and bop-influenced sounds. Whereas, on the West Coast, the sextet was often used by arrangers such as Shorty Rogers and Gerry Mulligan to create a lighter, more textural based sound that was akin to chamber music. We will explore both camps in this concert presentation. Chris will be joined by pianist Collin Provence, bassist John Lauffenburger, saxophonist John Ayala, Jay Thomas (guest artist from Seattle) on trumpet and saxophone, and drummer, Joe Lizama.

JazzFresno is funded in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund administered by the Fresno Arts Council. Thank you Fresno!