Isaiah J. Thompson, winner of the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship, is a pianist, bandleader, and composer from West Orange, New Jersey. He studied at The Calderone School of Music, Jazz House Kids, NJPAC Jazz For Teens, and later graduated from Juilliard with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music. Isaiah has performed with jazz greats like Ron Carter, Christian McBride, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. He made his recording debut on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with Wynton Marsalis and has released multiple albums as a leader. Isaiah contributed to the soundtrack for Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist, and has received accolades including the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. His performances aim to convey “love, spirit, and respect,” reflecting his deep passion for jazz.