Sankofa Jazz Concert

A night of live jazz celebrating tradition and innovation returns to the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center with the annual Sankofa Jazz Concert. The performance takes place Saturday, April 11.

The program brings together a lineup of accomplished musicians spanning multiple jazz traditions. Headlining the evening is the Jason Marsalis Quartet with vocalist Vanisha Gould, joined by Mustafa on saxophone, Trio de Janeiro featuring Magela Herrera and The John Marqis Trio, offering audiences a mix of classic and contemporary jazz styles.

Inspired by the West African concept of Sankofa—a reminder to look to the past in order to move forward—the concert highlights jazz’s historical roots while showcasing its ongoing evolution. Through instrumental performances and vocal interpretations, the evening reflects the genre’s lasting influence on American music and culture.

Presented at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, a longstanding institution dedicated to preserving and promoting African American arts and culture in Miami-Dade County, the annual concert serves as both a musical celebration and a reflection on the enduring legacy of jazz.