Join us for a performance by the James Fernando Trio featuring James Fernando, piano, Dan McCain, bass, and Kyon Williams, drums, and vocalist Taisha Estrada.
James Fernando (b. 1995) is a Philadelphia-based pianist and composer whose music seamlessly blends jazz, classical, and electronic influences. He has been described by World Music Report as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” by Jazz Sensibilities as “limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas,” and by Contemporary Fusion Reviews for “creating one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.”
A 2026 Gilmore Festival Fellow, Fernando has earned recognition from DownBeat Magazine, the National YoungArts Foundation, and first prize at the West Virginia International Piano Competition. In 2021, he served as a Strathmore Artist in Residence, and in 2017 attended the Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music. He graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2017 after three years of study.
Fernando has performed at major venues and festivals internationally. He has collaborated with artists such as GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner Tom Paxton, GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, steelpan virtuoso Victor Provost, and jazz luminary Chris Cheek.
An accomplished recording artist, Fernando’s discography spans six albums, including Extended Layover (2018, with Mingjia), his critically acclaimed solo debut The Lonely Sailor (2019), Blackbird/Fly (2021), The Grind (2022, with Matt Lagan), and Piano Poetry (2023). His debut jazz trio album, Philly 3, was released in 2026 on Spring Garden Records.
Beyond performing and composing, Fernando is a passionate educator. He teaches at Levine Music in Washington, D.C., and regularly leads workshops at universities and community music schools across the United States.
Dan McCain is a Philadelphia based bass player, teacher and composer. He graduated from University of the Arts on scholarship, where he studied with many notable bassists. McCain has since received a DownBeat Award, and released his debut album Moments in Time. His unique feel and warm sound cause him to “[make] waves in the city these days” according to an article by All About Jazz. He has shared the stage with notable musicians such as Christian McBride, Ingrid Jenson, and Stefon Harris, and currently teaches music in the Philadelphia School District.
Kyon Williams, a multifaceted artist who combines elements of instrumental music, music production, and DJing all into the music that he creates. A Philadelphia native who started off playing the drums in the gospel scene, later attending Temple University studying Jazz Performance. Then finally took off on his own journey to learning music production and Djing. Kyon's sound spans the spectrum of Afrofuturist Jazz to progressive R&B and envelope-stretching dance music. He has performed at various venues and festivals in the local area such as The Kimmel Center, Lincoln Financial Field, The Philadelphia Flower Show, and at local clubs and bars. He is on the rise in the Philadelphia music scene and plans one day to open up his own venue.
Named a 2025 Tiny Desk Top Shelf artist, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Taisha Estrada has quickly emerged as a standout voice in the DC and Baltimore music scenes. Her electrifying stage presence, genre-fluid vocals, and emotionally raw bilingual lyricism leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the rhythms of bomba y plena were an integral part of Taisha’s upbringing. Her debut record “Nostalgia Ajena”, pays homage to these roots. Since then, Estrada has made a conscious effort to expand her artistry. Her latest release, a single entitled “El Abstracto,” earned Estrada the Tiny Desk recognition, revealing a more assured composer.
In addition to the single, a body of unreleased music is on the horizon. Created with friends and collaborators Marty Risemberg, Parker Speirs and Grant Le , the music is characterized by deep groove, ethereal harmony and improvisation. Though alluding to their common love for jazz, rock and neo soul, the project defies categorization and is best experienced live.
Outside of her musical pursuits, Estrada is passionate about service and advocacy for her community. In 2024, she began a free guitar program, lovingly called "Flores Rockeras," for teen girls and non-binary teens in Arlington, Virginia. She also fundraises and advocates in support of DC Abortion Fund and The Kwek Society, raising awareness for underprivileged women and girls, period poverty and access to health care.
Location
Setting: In-Person DACOR Bacon House 1801 F St NW Washington, DC 20006 UNITED STATES
