2026 Convergence Project

Returning to the Convergence Project is bassist Mimi Jones, whose powerful sense of groove and deeply rooted musicality have made her one of my favorite collaborators. A graduate of New York’s LaGuardia High School and the Manhattan School of Music, Mimi has performed throughout the world as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. Her extensive career includes work with artists ranging from Kenny Barron and Ravi Coltrane to Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kevin Mahogany, Arco Iris Sandoval, Tia Fuller, and even Beyoncé. Whether performing as a leader or sideperson, Mimi brings authority, warmth, and an unmistakable rhythmic presence to every musical setting.

Drummer Brian Shankar-Adler was on the faculty of the VJC’s Summer Workshop for over a decade, and we’ve become friends. He toured with Cameron Brown and me as the drummer for the Convergence Trio when we performed in three cities throughout Colombia. He was the perfect choice because of his respect and internalization of many aspects of their complex rhythmical language: the discerning audiences grooved to his interpretations of their native rhythms. Brian has devoted years to studying rhythmic traditions from around the world. Equally comfortable in jazz, experimental music, South Asian classical traditions, and folkloric forms, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and venues throughout the world. He appears on more than forty recordings.

Percussionist Jhair Sala’s deep knowledge of Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban traditions brings a fresh dimension to this music. He has performed and recorded with an impressive array of artists including Rubén Blades, Pedrito Martinez, Eric Clapton, and Steve Gadd. His command of congas, cajón, bongos, timbales, and other percussion instruments allows him to create rhythmic textures that are both sophisticated and deeply rooted in folkloric styles. I am honored and excited when Jhair, Brian, and Mimi meld together as one to form an energetic carpet of sound while navigating the landscapes of my compositions.

On saxophone, we welcome Stacy Dillard, another friend who has spent about a decade teaching at the VJC’s Summer Jazz Workshop. Since moving to New York, Stacy has recorded four albums as a leader and appeared on more than forty recordings as a sideman. He has collaborated with artists including Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Revis, Winard Harper, and Wycliffe Gordon. Stacy’s deep sound and his ability to tell compelling stories through improvisation make him a perfect fit for this project.

Sincere gratitude to the guest musicians appearing on several tunes throughout the evening: Rob Freeberg, trumpet; Dave Sporny, trombone; River Olsson, alto saxophone; Bella Holtz, vocals on Wheel of Time.

The Convergence Project exists because of collaboration. Each musician brings years of experience, countless influences, and a unique perspective to the music. Together, we create a space where jazz traditions, Latin American rhythms, gospel-infused harmonies, hard-bop energy, and deep grooves can coexist and evolve.

Thank you for joining us this evening. Live music is a conversation, and your presence is an essential part of that exchange. Your support makes it possible for the Vermont Jazz Center to continue presenting adventurous music and meaningful artistic experiences.

In this annual concert, we recognize and pay tribute to the support of the McKenzie Family Charitable Trust. Its founder, Mike McKenzie, heard me playing with Attila Zoller and Howard Brofsky at a jam session at the Putney Inn in 1997. After finding out that Zoller had offered Elsa and me the directorship of the Jazz Center, he quietly began funding a portion of our institution’s operating costs while making certain that our pianos were excellent and well maintained. His largesse continues to this day in collaboration with his thoughtful work partner, Torin Koester, and for this, we are especially grateful.

Enjoy the concert.

— Eugene Uman