Madison Jazz Festival: Nate Smith

Jazz and pop drummer, producer, and songwriter, Nate Smith, is no stranger to collaboration. He’s worked with everyone from Pat Metheny and Ravi Coltrane to Norah Jones and Jon Batiste, even Michael Jackson. But his newest project, the producer-led album Live Action, for which he earned two GRAMMYs this year, takes collaboration to another level. “It all starts with a good flame emoji or a few hearts” on friends’ social media posts, Smith said. That inspired him to explore the magical alchemy of a jam session with good friends. Nate was recently named Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, making him only the third person to hold that title in the festival’s 72-year history. Get a jump on your weekend at this free 2026 Madison Jazz Festival headlining concert on the Terrace.
This free event is part of the Madison Jazz Festival, which takes place from June 19-27 throughout the city of Madison. Learn more at madisonjazzfestivalwi.org/