2026 PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL

JAZZ FESTIVAL PERFORMING ARTISTS

THE HARDEN PROJECT

The spirit of music brought them together and the spirit of love binds them together. When you go to experience The Harden Project, you will feel the love of music encapsulated in this couple’s musicianship. The core of The Harden Project consists of vocalist Ja'Nia Harden and keyboardist John Harden II. These two artists skillfully and fearlessly play off of each other and displays fluent chemistry during their performances. 

Their influences range from Bobby McFerrin, Dinah Washington, Al Jarreau, Jimmy Smith, Robert Glasper, Soulive, and Bobby Floyd. The couple blends their influences and life experiences to create soulful groovy sometimes enchanting compositions. They are not afraid of being transparent and open while performing.

The goal of the project is to bring soul-stirring, emotion-provoking, life-influenced music to the world. The Harden Project features fusion based music of all genres, heavily influenced by jazz, social music, and soul.

www.thehardenproject.com

MAURICE FRANK

Whether accompanied by a quartet, a big band, or performing with a B-3 organ trio, one thing is certain – Maurice (Moe) Frank takes center stage!

His silky, texture laden voice is always swinging with intuitive and soulful phrasing and deeply personal interpretations of a wide range of Great American Songbook standards, along with   contemporary jazz and blues melodies.  Maurice is always accompanied by some of the most skillful and experienced "A list" musicians.

Maurice, or "Moe" as his friends call him has developed a devoted following over the years playing in a variety of East Coast venues in the New York tri-state area to Nashville, Charleston, and throughout the state of Florida. His unique performances can be witnessed at intimate restaurant and club settings, private events, open-air concerts and festivals. Along the way, he has established himself as a truly unique vocalist in the tradition of some of the genre’s greatest singers.

"Mad Romance and Love" & "This is Always" are the two latest recorded works by Maurice Frank and can be enjoyed on all leading digital audio streaming services and YouTube.

YVETTE NORWOOD-TIGER WITH KIKI SANCHEZ

“Transplanted Detroit jazz vocalist Yvette Norwood-Tiger transcends jazz standards and does that and more with her quintet...at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center.” – Palm Beach Post

Award-winning jazz vocalist, recording and international touring artist, songwriter, the Recording Academy voting member, and founder/director of the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival (www.pbijf.org), Yvette Norwood-Tiger, is a Detroit, Michigan native who hails from a family of musicians. Yvette performs with vocally clean and pure interpretations, while emphasizing intonation and storytelling. Her vocal styling and texture are often compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.  In addition to jazz standards, her repertoire includes the Great American Songbook, standards, bebop, and Latin jazz.  She also performs jazz songs in other languages.

In addition to her original jazz compositions, her recordings feature music from great composers such as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, the Gershwins, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, and others. 

Yvette resides in south Florida where she performs extensively, including performances at the Raymond F. Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Yvette performs in Europe, South Africa, South America, the UK, the Caribbean, as well as various venues in the US including Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan. 

Yvette's mission in music is to uplift, inspire, and entertain her audience through song, lyrics, and storytelling of her personal journey. 

www.yvettenorwoodtiger.com

KIKI SANCHEZ 

The extraordinary Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator, and pianist, Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez captures the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that has filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro‐Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez.  

Kiki started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well‐rounded musician by playing with his father’s band “Orquesta Majestic” doing corporate venues in Lima. Later, Kiki moved to Miami, FL, where he has worked with several Jazz and Latin Jazz Artists. He continued to expand his knowledge and education at the Florida Atlantic University where Sanchez has earned a master’s degree in music composition.

His musical journey has led Sanchez to release two Latin Jazz albums: “Dreams” (Diola Entertainment 2007); and Two Worlds” (Diola Entertainment 2011) featuring Grammy Award winner Susana Baca. Sanchez’ vision is to reach several audiences and expand his musical abilities by releasing projects from different genders.  “Kiki Sanchez Salsa Project” (Diola Entertainment 2015); “In a Quiet and Healing Mood” (Estreno Digital 2015) Music Meditation Album which brings peace, energy, love and understanding. 

Kiki has been nominated for the GRAMMYs in several projects such as: “Blown Away” from Frankie Marcus, featuring Arturo Sandoval where Sanchez programmed and played keys.  (Universal Music), “La Onda Latina,” Frankie Marcus and Clouds was nominated for Best Traditional Tropical Album where Kiki arranged, programmed, and recorded piano. (Estreno Digital) “Back to Basic” from Edwin Bonilla (Gloria Estefan’s percussionist) where Kiki composed, arranged, and recorded the piano on the track tittle "Descarga Para El Bailador" (Sonic Project Records). 

Kiki Sanchez is a voting member for the Recording Academy (GRAMMY).

Palm Beach International Jazz Festival 2026

The Future Looks Bright in Jazz Awardee

MARTIN AGUDELO

Martin Agudelo is a distinguished tenor saxophonist and a senior at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach. Martin has served as the lead tenor saxophone in his ensemble since his sophomore year, a role that reflects his deep dedication to his craft and the countless hours he spends practicing and rehearsing each week. Most recently, Martin had the distinct honor of performing with his ensemble at the White House. 

Throughout his high school career, Martin has built an exceptional performance résumé. As lead tenor sax for The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble, he performed in the first-ever high school jazz band concerts at the legendary 54 Below Supper Club in New York City (2024, 2025). He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists including Grammy-winning trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, fifteen-time “Trombonist of the Year” Wycliffe Gordon, The Voice finalist Wendy Moten, Grammy-winning flautist Nestor Torres, and Soul Train Award winner Nicole Henry. Martin has also participated in masterclasses with iconic musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Michael Feinstein, Kirk Whalum, and acclaimed arranger Mark Taylor. 

With the TKA Symphony Orchestra, Martin has served as 1st Chair tenor saxophone in multiple major productions, including The Best of Broadway (2024, 2025) and Night at the Movies (2023). He has also performed at Miami Marlins and Miami Heat events, including halftime shows. 

Beyond his musical achievements, Martin is a leader in academics. He ranks at the top of his class and is currently applying to several of the nation's most competitive universities. Martin plans to study finance in college with the long-term goal of attending law school. He is deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2026 "The Future Looks Bright in Jazz" award and is thrilled to make his debut at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse.

TICKETS:   8th ANNUAL PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FEST | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

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