Discover tomorrow's stars, today.

By Liz Lindqwister, October 4 2026

Everyone wants to be able to say, “I knew them before they were big.”

In truth, that chance is far more exceptional, and far more special, than we’d like to believe. Rarely do you get to claim you’ve discovered the next great artist of a generation—but now, you can.

Join us for Stanford Live’s 2026–2027 Discover series!

Get early access to tomorrow’s brightest stars who are shaking up the status quo and reshaping the future of music. For our Discover artists, we’re reading past the lines, digging deeper than the music, and offering unforgettable moments you’ll remember as the day you first became their fan.

Through their stories, inspirations, and cultural traditions, our Discover artists invite you into their journey. And when you discover them, they’re also discovering a new fan in you.

Our Discover Artists

West Georgian Jontavious Willis descends from a long lineage of bluesmakers—family and community members who have passed down decades of artistic knowledge about the genre, the songs, the instruments, and the culture that created the blues’ unique sound.

ArcoStrum, a dynamic duo featuring violinist Strauss Shi and classical guitarist TY Zhang, seamlessly bridges Eastern and Western styles through their art. Their music brings audiences on a transformative journey across cultures and generations.

What changes when two world-class acoustic guitarists merge solo virtuosity into a shared sonic space? Don Ross & Julie Malía show us what’s possible with just six strings, no amplifiers, and a level of guitar technique you’ve never seen before.

With Silicon Valley in the university’s back yard, it’s little surprise that Stanford students Renee Qin & Ania Filochowska create mesmerizing art that straddles classic musicianship and cutting-edge technology. Their work seeks to answer this age’s most pressing question: Can technology amplify our stories rather than replace them?

What happens when you quit your job, rent an abandoned cake factory, and become a painter? Well, performance artist Sam Kissajukian certainly found out. Through his hilarious show, Kissajukian explores the wily intersections of performance art, creativity, and mental health.

Not satisfied with the guitar’s simple silhouette and iconic sound, Jack West is a musician obsessed with innovation—so much so that he’s dedicated an entire studio space to pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can be, and do. Explore creative iteration and uncommon rhythmic styles with West’s 'Guitars On Life.'

Discover Jontavious Willis: The Stories Behind the Blues

Discover the complex history of the blues with West Georgia Bluesman Jontavious Willis and Stanford musicologist Dr. Matthew D. Morrison. How did the blues shape popular culture? How did it become a genre and a driving force in the music industry? Hear directly from the artist & the scholar and dig deeper into this beloved genre.

Learn More

Jazz & Blues

Presented by Stanford Live

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Discover tomorrow's stars, today.

Everyone wants to be able to say, “I knew them before they were big.”

Join us for Stanford Live’s 2026–2027 Discover series!

Our Discover Artists

Discover Jontavious Willis: The Stories Behind the Blues

Discover series

Jontavious Willis

ArcoStrum

Don Ross & Julie Malía

Renée Qin and Ania Filochowska: The World We Speak Into Being

300 Paintings

Jack West Guitars On Life