Before the music fills Telluride Town Park, another extraordinary tradition is already in motion.
Each summer, the Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble brings together seven of the nation's most promising young jazz musicians for an immersive week of mentorship, collaboration, and performance. Selected through a highly competitive audition process led by acclaimed pianist, composer, educator, and former Telluride All-Star Annie Booth, these rising artists rehearse, study, and create together before taking the festival stage.
Representing top high schools, conservatories, and universities from across the country, the 2026 ensemble showcases the next generation of jazz talent—and the future of the music itself.
Meet the 2026 All-Stars
Tanner Brinkerhoff, Alto Saxophone
Tanner Brinkerhoff is a 16‑year‑old multi‑instrumentalist who will enter his senior year of high school this fall. A woodwind specialist, Tanner began studying jazz three years ago and picked up the alto saxophone a year later.
He is a two‑time member of the Utah All‑State Jazz Band and served as lead alto in the 2026 Jazz Band of America. He was also offered a full‑tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music’s Aspire summer music intensive and has earned multiple outstanding soloist awards. This year marks Tanner’s return to Telluride after first appearing on the Main Stage in 2025 with Karl Hunter and Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse.
Beyond his formal accolades, Tanner loves performing live, having worked with artists including Summer Camargo, Huey Lewis, and Marc Russo, and joining a group that opened for Post Malone. He also shares his music in the community, performing at nursing homes, hospitals, charity events, and more. Tanner maintains a classical background through two years in the Utah All‑State Wind Symphony and membership in the award‑winning Lyceum Philharmonic youth symphony.
Tanner is looking forward to enjoying music together with everyone at the festival!
Luca Dardanis – Piano
Luca is a senior at the Denver School of the Arts, studying both classical and jazz piano. Originally from Steamboat Springs, he started playing the piano at a very young age, due to his mother being a piano teacher. Luca is a member of the Denver School of the Arts Jazz Workshop Orchestra, the Jazz Arts Messengers Combo at the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, as well as a member of the Colorado Jazz Ambassador Big Band. He has also been part of the Colorado All State Jazz Bands from 2025-2026. Luca has been the recipient of four Outstanding Soloist awards for big band performances and the UNC Jazz Fest, as well as the Outstanding Pianist award and the Essentially Ellington Las Vegas regional. He is thankful for his friends and family that encourage him every day, and plans to pursue a musical career in the future.
Austin Fuchs, baritone saxophone
Austin Fuchs is a saxophonist and bandleader currently majoring in jazz studies at the University of Northern Colorado. He studies alongside Andrew Janak and Gary Smulyan. An alumni of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, Austin performs often with his self-led septet as well as the co-led Austin Fuchs and Zach Kaufman Quintet at venues such as Greeley’s Moxi Theatre and Dazzle Denver. He has performed with Colorado jazz greats Greg Gisbert and Eric Gunnison, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the Zach Kaufman Jazz Orchestra.
Elijah Fusco, drums
Elijah Fusco is a drummer from Greeley, Colorado, currently studying jazz at the University of Northern Colorado. His primary instrument is the drum set, and he is passionate about the collaborative spirit of making music with others. Among his greatest influences are Roy Haynes, Mel Lewis, and Carter Beauford, whose artistry continues to shape his musical voice. Elijah is grateful for every opportunity to perform and connect with fellow musicians through jazz.
Luke Gann, Bass
Luke Gann is a 2026 graduate of Montrose High School, and a lifelong Colorado resident. He is a two time Colorado Allstate Bassist, a 2026 National Young Arts winner, and will be releasing his debut album 81401, a tribute to the people, places, and things that have gotten him where he is, this summer. In the upcoming fall semester, Luke will be attending the Manhattan School of Music, and under the direction of the renowned Buster Williams, will be working towards his bachelor's degree in jazz performance. He is thrilled to have been accepted into the Telluride All-Stars, and is looking forward to having such an awesome opportunity this close to home. Most of all, Luke is excited to meet, learn from, and play with the countless great musicians at the festival, especially his peers in the All Stars.
Luca Posillico, Trumpet
Luca Posillico is a 17-year-old jazz trumpeter from San Diego, California, entering his senior year at Mission Bay High School. He performs in a variety of ensembles, including the school’s internationally touring traditional jazz band, The Preservationists. Recently, he had the opportunity to attend the Essentially Ellington Competition with the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, a leading nonprofit jazz education program in San Diego. This summer, he returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center as a participant in the Summer Jazz Academy.
Inspired by both his peers and the enduring artistry of Clifford Brown, Luca’s musical development has been profoundly shaped by the mentorship of acclaimed trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. His performance experiences have extended beyond Southern California to renowned musical centers such as New Orleans and Havana, Cuba. Luca is honored to join the Telluride Student All-Stars this summer and looks forward to collaborating with fellow musicians in the ensemble.
Matthew Vasquez, Trombone
Matthew Vasquez is a jazz trombonist from California who has been a part of several notable regional and national honor ensembles. Growing up in a musical family as the son of a high school band director, Matthew developed a strong foundation in the jazz tradition from an early age.
Throughout his high school career, he has focused on sharpening his ensemble skills and musicianship. He spent time training with the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars in San Francisco and has participated in summer programs like the Summer Jazz Academy in New York, as well as the Jazz Band of America in Indianapolis. His dedication to his craft was further recognized when he was named a YoungArts award winner in Jazz.
Recently, Matthew earned a spot in the 2026 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, performing under the direction of Gerald Clayton. His other ensemble credits include regular selections to the CASMEC California All-State Jazz Band and the Northern California Honor Jazz Band. Matthew remains committed to growing as a musician, performer, and person.
