Akili Bradley - trumpet
Wilfie Williams - piano
Way Campbell - bass
Brian Richburg Jr. - drums
Described as an “emerging musician” by Bradley Zeve of Monterey County Weekly, and as “on [her] way to becoming a jazz staple” and “a young musician to keep abreast of” by Ron Scott of New York Amsterdam News, Akili is a trumpeter and composer making a steady and impactful mark on the New York jazz scene. A native of Seaside, California, her sound is a dynamic blend of deep jazz tradition and bold, contemporary innovation. She has performed at some of the most iconic venues, including The Village Vanguard, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club, and The Jazz Gallery, and has worked with artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jason Moran, Dezron Douglas, Johnathan Blake, Steve Wilson, and Stacy Dillard.
As a bandleader, Akili presents original music rooted in storytelling, groove, and melodic clarity. She led her own group at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2018 and continues to perform regularly across NYC, including appearances at The Django and Café Bohemia. Most recently, she was featured in the 2025 Duck Creek Arts Center Summer Music Series, performing a full set of original compositions.
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SPONSORSHIP
The Jazz Gallery is a not-for-profit arts organization presenting emerging artists who challenge convention, take creative risks, and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. We provide a platform for artists to discover their unique voice and a home for established musicians to continue to experiment and grow. At The Jazz Gallery, artists and audiences come together from around the world to explore new creative ideas, collaborate and celebrate jazz as a dynamic art form that reflects our ever-changing world.
We rely on the generosity of our members and community to keep the music playing, thank you for your continued and much appreciated support! If you would like to sponsor a Livestream Concert, please use the links above or be in touch with our Executive Director, Janet Luhrs, here.