Make Jazz: Emma Dayhuff

Emma Dayhuff, 2025 Herb Alpert Foundation Make Jazz Artist-in-Residence, will deliver a culminating performance at The World Stage – a historic jazz performance space located in Leimert Park on March 22nd, 2025. The performance will begin at 8:00pm, featuring supporting musicians Corey Wilkes on trumpet, Paul Cornish on piano, and Jonathan Pinson on drums.

Emma Dayhuff is a dynamic bassist and composer renowned for her soulful playing and innovative approach. With a performance career spanning over two decades, she has shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Patricia Barber. Rooted in Chicago’s rich avant-garde tradition, Emma’s musical style is deeply influenced by mentors Vincent Davis, Kahil El’Zabar, and Robert Irving III. Her playing seamlessly blends elements of jazz, experimental improvisation, and contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.

Sponsored by the Herb Alpert Foundation to honor and support jazz artists, 18th Street Arts Center annually hosts its Make Jazz Fellowship, awarded to a jazz composer for a three-month, fully funded residency. This opportunity is for an individual jazz artist to advance or complete a body of original compositions, while living and working on 18th Street Arts Center’s campus. The award supports the artist by providing a monthly stipend, a furnished live-in studio, and arranged opportunities for collaborative and educational partnerships with Los Angeles-area musicians, colleges, and universities. 

This event will be in-person at the World Stage and live-streamed online.