Isaiah J. Thompson – A Guaraldi Holiday

Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson is originally from West Orange, New Jersey. He began studying with pianist Alla Epelbaum at The Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula from an early age, and soon after enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens. Thompson later was admitted to The Juilliard School where he graduated with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees, and went on to further his education in Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary. Thompson joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with other major artists such as Christian McBride, Steve Turre, Catherine Russell, and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader. This concert program is a celebration of the beloved Peanuts holiday compositions of Vince Guaraldi, featured on the classic album A Charlie Brown Christmas. Isaiah J. Thompson Website (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)