Jun Iida (Within/Earshot Jazz Festival)

A BIMA PRISM PROGRAM
PART OF THE 2026 WITHIN/EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL
Music inspired by the roads traveled, the relationships formed, and the cultures carried along the way will move you during Jun Iida’s “Bellflower” program!

Three years ago, trumpeter and composer Jun Iida left Seattle for New York, and this program, built with a band of new friends over the course of a West Coast tour, is the sound of that journey. “Bellflower” is mostly original music, drawn directly from Iida’s own experience moving between places, people, and identities. It’s a program shaped by Japanese heritage, American cities, and the particular restlessness of starting over somewhere new.

ABOUT JUN IIDA
Award winning trumpeter, composer, and educator Jun Iida is known for his dynamic and versatile contributions to the jazz and contemporary music scenes.

With an impressive array of performances at renowned venues and festivals across the world, Iida has built a reputation as a skilled performer and a dedicated educator. Iida’s musical talents extend beyond performance into composition and education. He regularly teaches private trumpet lessons and has conducted clinics and masterclasses at schools and events throughout the West Coast and New York, including those supporting the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition. Additionally, he curates projects and events that celebrate and promote the intersection of music and culture. His notable curation work includes Hai! Japantown, a series showcasing AANHPI artists in Seattle, and Sake x Jazz Presents, a collaboration combining jazz music and sake culture.

A recipient of multiple awards and grants, Iida’s artistry has been recognized by the greater music community, earning him several Golden Ear Awards nominations and a spot on the 2025 Jack Straw Artist Support Program. His debut album as a leader, Evergreen (OA2 Records), was released in January 2024 to great acclaim, showcasing his evolving voice as a composer and performer.

Fluent in both English and Japanese with strong connections to both Japanese and American cultures, Iida continues to push the boundaries of jazz performance and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre while engaging with diverse audiences worldwide. His passion for both performance and mentorship solidifies his place as one of the emerging voices in contemporary jazz.

Follow Jun Iida: @juniidamusic