News Summary
Gabrielle Cavassa will perform at the second annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, which features numerous Grammy-winning artists and numerous free events. The festival aims to make jazz music accessible to the community, with support from Qualcomm co-founder Irwin M. Jacobs. Cavassa, a rising jazz vocalist, is set to release her debut album in spring 2026 and reflects on her musical journey during the festival. The event honors iconic jazz figures and promotes both established and emerging talent.
Escondido, California – Gabrielle Cavassa is set to perform at the second annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival on Saturday, contributing to an event that runs from Thursday through next Sunday on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The festival will showcase numerous Grammy-winning artists, including pianist Arturo O’Farrill, bassist John Clayton, and saxophonist David Sánchez, and aims to promote jazz music’s accessibility to the public.
Notably, nearly two-thirds of the festival’s events are free to attend, a feature made possible by nearly $400,000 in seed money from Qualcomm co-founder Irwin M. Jacobs. This initiative is designed to ensure that the community has the opportunity to engage with live jazz performances, reflecting the model of successful jazz festivals in cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta.
At just 29 years old, Cavassa’s career has quickly gained momentum, especially following her win at the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. She has shared stages with well-known jazz figures, performing with saxophonist Joshua Redman and collaborating with Germaine Bazzle at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In a significant move for her career, Cavassa has signed an album deal with Blue Note Records, a label renowned for its roster of esteemed artists like Norah Jones and Gregory Porter.
Her eagerly anticipated debut album, co-produced by Joshua Redman and Blue Note President Don Was, is scheduled for release in spring 2026. The California Center for the Arts in Escondido, where she will perform, holds personal significance for her, being the venue where she sang her first solo at the age of 14. This milestone performance was of Melody Gardot’s “Who Will Comfort Me?” during her sophomore year at San Pasqual High School, a place where her father also taught, shaping her early musical inspiration.
The festival’s programming on Saturday includes multiple performances, with Cavassa slated to take the outdoor stage at 7 p.m. This event presents a unique opportunity for Cavassa to return to her hometown and reflect on her musical journey, which took a pivotal turn after she moved to New Orleans in 2017. Immersing herself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene, Cavassa has developed her artistry while drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan, who significantly influence her vocal style.
Additionally, the festival program honors artists like David Sánchez, who will participate in a tribute to the legendary saxophonist James Moody, titled “James Moody @ 100.” This diverse slate of performances illustrates the festival’s commitment to celebrating both established and emerging talent within the jazz community, making it an exciting event for jazz enthusiasts and the general public alike.
As the festival approaches, the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival promises to deliver an engaging musical experience, showcasing the talents of artists like Gabrielle Cavassa while reinforcing the importance of accessibility in the arts.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego-Tijuana International Jazz Festival 2025
- Wikipedia: Jazz festival
- Modern Luxury: October Events in San Diego 2025
- Google Search: Gabrielle Cavassa
- The Urban Music Scene: Irving Flores New Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz Music
- DownBeat: Inaugural San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Fest
- Google News: San Diego Jazz Festival
