Tuesday, 4/7/2026, 2pm - Jazz In The Afternoon Special with Jesse 'Chuy' Varela

Don Dixon

Join Jesse “Chuy” Varela as he welcomes drummer extraordinaire, Michael Carvin. Among the most influential drummers in jazz and a veteran bandleader, Michael Carvin is an iconic artist whose resume includes work with Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Alice Coltrane, and dozens more.

The Houston-born Carvin began his career at age 12 and quickly advanced as a professional, serving as a house drummer at Motown Records for two years before moving to New York and his first high-profile gig with trumpet genius Freddie Hubbard. He has appeared on more than 250 albums and led or co-led 15 sessions including Antiquity, the landmark 1975 duo session with saxophonist Jackie McLean. Carvin makes his SFJAZZ debut at the Joe Henderson Lab on Thursday, April 9, with his Michael Carvin Experience.