John Yao & His 17-piece Instrument

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing all original compositions including works from their new album Points in Time which was a DownBeat Editors Pick and was selected Best of 2025.

7-7:45pm - Rehearsal Set (open to all)
8-9:30pm - Performance one set

John Yao is a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition and one of the premier trombonists, composers, and arrangers on the New York City jazz scene. Over the past two decades, Yao has distinguished himself through his lyrical soloing, expressive round tone, and relentless drive to push the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, establishing a uniquely forward-thinking musical voice. He has been hailed as “one of New York’s elite trombonists and…a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader” (Lucid Culture), and his work has been described as “boldly diverse…cutting across the swath of contemporary jazz’s field” (All About Jazz).

Yao’s artistry has earned him wide recognition. In 2023-24, he was named in both the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories of the DownBeat Critics Poll. He has built an extensive body of work through collaborations with ensembles and performers worldwide and has released six recordings as a bandleader—each showcasing his bold, boundary-pushing compositions for small groups and large ensembles. His latest album “Points in Time” was an Editor’s Pick and voted Best of 2025 by DownBeat Magazine.