A world renowned bassist, composer, arranger, educator, curator, administrator, and nine-time GRAMMY Award-winner, Christian McBride has been one of the most important and prolific figures in the jazz world for 20 years.
Over the past 25 years, he has performed and recorded with numerous jazz legends: Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Wynton Marsalis, Hank Jones, Lewis Nash, Joshua Redman, and Ray Brown’s “Superbass” with John Clayton. A versatile sideman, he’s also crosses over genres, playing with The Roots, Kathleen Battle, Carly Simon, Sting, Bruce Hornsby, Edgar Meyer and James Brown.
McBride currently hosts and produces a show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and NPR’s “Jazz Night in America”. He serves as Board Member and Artistic Chair of Jazz House Kids, Artistic Director of the Montclair Jazz Festival, and Artistic Advisor for Jazz Programming at NJPAC. His most recent recording is titled “Live at the Village Vanguard.
Christian McBride: Artistic Director, Mentor, and Musical Visionary Behind JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
At the intersection of jazz excellence and youth empowerment stands Christian McBride, the acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator whose deep commitment to music and mentorship fuels the mission of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS. As the organization’s Artistic Director, McBride brings more than three decades of professional experience, nine GRAMMY® Awards, and a deep love of community to everything he does.
Whether on the world’s biggest stages or in a classroom filled with aspiring young musicians, Christian McBride leads with passion, purpose, and the belief that jazz is a transformative force for good.
A Globally Renowned Artist with Local Roots
A Philadelphia native, McBride launched his professional career as a teenager, performing with legends like Freddie Hubbard and Benny Golson. By age 17, he was studying at Juilliard and making his mark on the New York jazz scene. Today, he’s one of the most respected voices in music—known for his work with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, and even pop icons like Sting and James Brown.
In addition to his performing career, McBride is the host of NPR’s “Jazz Night in America”, Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, and a passionate advocate for jazz education across the globe.
The Heart and Soul of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
Christian McBride has served as Artistic Director of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS since co-founding the organization with his wife, Melissa Walker, a vocalist and arts education leader. Based in Montclair, New Jersey, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is one of the nation’s leading jazz education organizations, reaching thousands of young people each year through in-school programs, after-school ensembles, summer intensives, and performance opportunities.
As Artistic Director, McBride curates a rich curriculum rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing innovation and inclusivity. He works closely with JAZZ HOUSE teaching artists to ensure that students not only build strong musical skills—but also gain confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
His presence in the classroom and on stage offers students a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of jazz’s living legends. McBride is known for giving his time generously—coaching combos, joining rehearsals, and mentoring young players far beyond the classroom.
Building Community Through Music
For McBride, jazz is more than music—it’s a means of connection, storytelling, and change. Under his artistic leadership, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has become a national model for how music can shape lives and communities.
His impact extends to the Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS each year. As festival Artistic Chair, he curates world-class lineups that celebrate both jazz icons and rising stars—often performing alongside JAZZ HOUSE alumni and faculty in unforgettable, intergenerational moments.