Obasi Akoto

Performing Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM — Bijou Stage
with Steve Wilson (Alto Sax), Eric Kennedy (Drums), Allyn Johnson (Piano), & Brandon Woody (Trumpet)

Prepare for a masterful showcase of ensemble jazz artistry when veteran bassist, composer, and bandleader Obasi Akoto leads a stellar quintet at the Bijou Stage. Known for a career that has spanned collaborations with some of the greatest names in jazz, Akoto brings deep rhythmic drive, rich harmonic insight, and a profound sense of storytelling to every performance.

Obasi Akoto is a highly respected double bass player whose extensive experience includes touring and recording with legends such as drummer Elvin Jones and pianist Cyrus Chestnut — including on Chestnut’s Atlantic recordings The Dark Before the Dawn and Earth Stories. He has performed with a remarkable array of jazz luminaries, from Wynton Marsalis, James Carter, Regina Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Stefon Harris to Miguel Zenón and Joe Lovano, establishing himself as a consummate sideman and creative force on the bandstand.

In addition to his work as a performer, Akoto is an accomplished composer and orchestrator. His first full-length orchestral recording, All Over the Map, features his own compositions and includes contributions from longtime friend and collaborator Warren Wolf on vibraphone — a recording described as “impassioned and transformative” that highlights his depth as a musical architect.

After a distinguished tenure as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Manitoba, Akoto returned to full-time performance, leading creative ensembles and residencies throughout the Baltimore–Washington region. His musical vision blends the profound traditions of jazz with contemporary improvisational energy, making him a vital presence in today’s jazz landscape.

Joining Obasi Akoto for this special festival set are some of the scene’s most compelling voices: Steve Wilson on saxophone, Warren Wolf on drums, Allyn Johnson on piano, and Brandon Woody on trumpet — promising a performance that is both sophisticated and deeply felt.