We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed photographer and artist Michael Weintrob to the 2025 Telluride Jazz Festival, where he’ll present a special exhibit of his renowned project, INSTRUMENTHEAD. Known for his bold, imaginative portraits of musicians, Weintrob brings more than two decades of experience capturing the soul of music through his lens.
Meet the Artist: Michael Weintrob
Michael Weintrob has photographed thousands of artists in live, studio, and location settings, lending his talents to magazines, record labels, and venues around the world. He’s served as house photographer for iconic stages like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Ascend Amphitheater, and major festivals including Newport Jazz, Newport Folk, and Barcelona Jazz Festival.
His work has been exhibited internationally—in Spain (sponsored by the U.S. State Department), at the North Sea Jazz Festival, and at pop-up gallery events during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. A passionate supporter of music and the arts, Weintrob has also led fundraising initiatives for musicians, including the INSTRUMENTHEAD LIVE streaming series launched during the pandemic.
He currently lives and works in Nashville, continuing to explore the intersection of photography and music through powerful visual storytelling.
About INSTRUMENTHEAD
Weintrob’s passion project, INSTRUMENTHEAD, has been over 20 years in the making. The award-winning photography series features portraits of more than 350 musicians—with a twist: the artists are obscured by their instruments, transforming the tools of their craft into the faces of their identity. The result is a visually arresting and imaginative exploration of musical personality.
The INSTRUMENTHEAD book has received the Independent Book Publishers Award for Most Outstanding Design, and has been celebrated for its originality, artistry, and emotional resonance.
Experience INSTRUMENTHEAD at the Festival
Trombone Shorty photographed by Michael Weintrob
Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can:
Explore the INSTRUMENTHEAD Mobile Studio in the GA area
Meet Michael Weintrob and discuss the stories behind the portraits
Shop exclusive art and books from the collection
Catch special pop-ups in the VIP Lounge
Whether you’re a fan of jazz, photography, or simply creative expression, INSTRUMENTHEAD is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.