Jazz Journalists Association 2026 Jazz Heroes

This year, the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) celebrates 34 grassroots culture workers from 32 cities as 2026 Jazz Heroes. The Jazz Heroes announcement launches the JJA’s 31st annual Jazz Awards season during Jazz Appreciation Month, climaxing on International Jazz Day (April 30), with local follow-up presentations nationwide.

See portraits and personality profiles of each Hero.

Berkshires Jazz has connections to one of the winners of this year’s “Jazz Heroes Award” from the Jazz Journalists Association. Brent Banulis, a long-time supporter of Berkshires Jazz, is the founder of the New England Jazz Alliance and president and Program Director of WETF, the all-jazz station in South Bend, Indiana.

Congratulations, Brent!