Feel the Rhythm of Latin Jazz at The Rady Shell

Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie are getting the tribute they deserve, and it’s happening right on the water at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. This is the kind of lineup that turns casual jazz fans into lifelong ones.

Grab your seat and get ready for a night that moves as much as it swings.

A Night Built on Jazz Legends

Leading the charge is Gilbert Castellanos, San Diego Symphony Jazz Curator and 10-time San Diego Music Award winner, fronting the show as bandleader for the night.

Behind him stands the 17-piece KSDS Jazz Orchestra, celebrating the groundbreaking fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban music that Miles, Sonny, and Dizzy helped pioneer.

With a lineup this size, expect a big, layered sound built for a night outdoors. Seventeen musicians on one stage is exactly the kind of scale this music deserves.

The Roots of Latin Jazz

This concert traces Latin Jazz all the way back to Dizzy Gillespie’s historic collaboration with Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo, a partnership that genuinely sparked a musical revolution.

You’ll hear iconic pieces like “A Night in Tunisia,” “Manteca,” “Tin Tin Deo,” and “Cubana Be, Cubana Bop,” all brought to life by musicians who are ready to shake The Shell with infectious rhythms and blazing solos.

Just a heads up, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra itself doesn’t appear on this one, it’s all jazz orchestra for the night. Once those horns kick in, you’ll understand exactly why this music still hits so hard decades later.

Come Early, Get More Music

Don’t cut it close on arrival. The Young Lions Jazz Conservatory All-Stars are kicking things off with a pre-concert set, giving you a taste of the next generation of jazz talent before the main event even starts.

It’s a great way to ease into the evening and support some serious up-and-coming talent along the way.

See you there!

Legendary music, a killer lineup, and a waterfront stage to match. This is one night of jazz you’ll want front row for.

📆 Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego
🎟️ Secure your seats here
ℹ️ Visit the website here to learn more

See you there, San Diego!