Born into a musical family, MJ Santos, is a jazz pianist and composer. A recent graduate of Oakland School for the Arts (OSA), he will be attending The New School Jazz Studies Program in the fall of 2026. He has attended many years of jazz camps and institutes, has won awards and scholarships for music excellence, and was a jazz piano alternate for the National Youth Orchestra of Jazz at Carnegie Hall. He has studied with a great array of jazz musicians such as Taylor Eigsti, Randy Porter, Sullivan Fortner, Art Lande, John Santos, Elio Villafranca, George Cables, John Hatamiya, Omar Sosa, Jovino Santos Neto, Allison Miller, Ellen Rowe, Kev Choice, Dan Parenti, and Josh Jones, among many others. He is currently in the Artist Development Program with Follow the Music, a non-profit organization helping young Oakland-based musicians launch their careers. Celebrated pianist Arturo O'Farril said of MJ recently, "He plays masterfully and has a technical facility rare in young musicians. He has a sophisticated sense of harmony and a mature approach to his improvisation."
Follow the music showcase for a group of incredibly talented emerging artists from the Bay. There are three bands playing and MJ plays last. Sunday August 16, 2026 at 6 pm at Mama Dog Studios. Doors at 5:30 pm. Recorded with a live audience. The event is FREE. RSVP to 4followthemusic@gmail.com. Hope to see you there, and bring friends and family!
— —
25th St. Recording Studio, 426 25th Street , Oakland, CA 94612
Be part of the audience for this intimate live, in-studio recording session of MJ's jazz compositions and arrangements. Featuring Geoff Brennan on bass, Joaquin Ortiz on drumset, and John Santos on percussion.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: We are SOLD OUT! Doors at 6:15 pm for a pre-concert reception. Recording starts at 7:00 pm sharp. Those not arriving before 7:00 pm will have to wait until a break in the recording for entrance.
All event proceeds will benefit the MJ Santos Scholarship Fund. To donate more, add a tip at checkout.
You can still support MJ's ongoing fundraiser at https://mjsantos.betterworld.org/campaigns/help-mj-get-new-school
Recording session sponsored by Follow the Music Artist Development Program.
****PRE-SALE TICKETS SOLD OUT - We now only have a few tix available at the door. First come, first served.
MJ is off to The New School in NYC as a first year student in Jazz Studies! Join us for a special evening of music performed by members of his musical community who helped shape him. Featuring John Santos, Saul Sierra, John Calloway, Dan Parenti, Anthony Blea, Javier Navarrette, Luca Parenti, surprise guests, and of course, MJ himself. Just added, Destani Wolf!
6:30 pm - Doors 7:00 pm - Concert
All proceeds are to benefit the MJ Santos Scholarship Fund. To donate more, add a tip at checkout.
Learn about his ongoing fundraiser here: https://mjsantos.betterworld.org/campaigns/help-mj-get-new-school