Who: Jun Iida
Trumpet Jazz
Jun Iida is an award-winning trumpeter, composer, and educator known for his dynamic presence in the jazz and contemporary music scenes. Born in St. Louis and raised in Pittsburgh by Japanese immigrant parents, Iida has developed a distinctive voice shaped by diverse musical influences. Now based in New York, he has performed at top venues and festivals worldwide, including Jazz at Lincoln Center (Shanghai), SFJazz, Smalls Jazz Club, Earshot Jazz Festival and SXSW. As a bandleader and collaborator, he has worked with acclaimed artists like Takuya Kuroda, Anat Cohen, and Deltron 3030. His debut album Evergreen (OA2 Records, 2024) earned critical praise, and he was recently selected for the 2025 Jack Straw Artist Support Program. A dedicated educator, Iida also curates cultural programs blending jazz with Japanese traditions, highlighting his commitment to both innovation and community engagement.