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JazzFresno, the Fresno County Public Library, KFSR 90.7 FM, and the Woodward Park Friends of the Library will host a free, in person and open to the public Jazz at the Library presentation on Tuesday, October 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodward Park Regional County Library located at 944 E. Perrin Ave. (Champlain & Perrin), Fresno, CA 93720.Please join us as jazz singer and composer Chiara Izzi honors her Italian roots, deep connection to Brazilian music and her second home, New York, blending tradition with modernity. She revives Italian and American jazz classics from the 1930s onward, hidden gems reflecting the cultural bond between Italy and America, and presents originals inspired by New York’s vibrant energy. JazzFresno is funded in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund.
Chiara Izzi & Kai Lyons Duo
Italian-born, New York-based jazz singer and composer Chiara Izzi has developed a distinctive musical identity shaped by her Italian roots, deep connection to Brazilian music, and ability to sing and speak in Italian, Portuguese, and English. Her breakthrough came when she won first prize at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition, a victory personally awarded by legendary musician Quincy Jones, who chaired the jury. The following year, Chiara returned to the festival to perform and open for the iconic Paco de Lucía.
She has since earned numerous accolades, including an Independent Music Award for Best Jazz Song with Vocals for her composition “Circles of the Mind,” as well as national honors, and has collaborated with artists such as Kevin Hays, Chris Potter, Grégoire Maret, Omer Avital, and Nilson Matta.
Since moving to the United States, Chiara has performed on world-renowned stages including The Kennedy Center, Montreux Jazz Festival, Aspen Jazz Festival, and Sarasota Jazz Festival. Drawing from Brazilian music, jazz, Italian song, and American popular music, she brings a soulful approach to both interpretation and songwriting. With three albums released under her name, including “Across the Sea”, co-led with pianist Kevin Hays, her work has received praise from DownBeat and JazzTimes, with Hays describing her as having “an inner strength that I think is rare.”
Through her music, Chiara brings together soulful storytelling, musical versatility, and a commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
https://www.chiaraizzi.com/
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Event venue
Woodward Park Branch-Fresno County Public Library, 944 East Perrin Ave,Fresno,CA,United States
Tickets
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