The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards celebrated excellence across musical genres, and several artists appearing at Spoleto Festival USA 2026 were among this year’s honorees. Five Festival performers received GRAMMY nominations across jazz, pop, roots, and instrumental categories—and one took home a GRAMMY Award.
Sullivan Fortner — 2026 GRAMMY Winner
Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Southern Nights by Sullivan Fortner featuring Peter Washington & Marcus Gilmore
Fortner returns to Spoleto Festival USA for four performances across two programs—an intimate solo recital and an electrifying trio set—showcasing the virtuosity and depth that earned him this year’s GRAMMY.
June 5 & 6 | Simons Center Recital Hall at the College of Charleston — get tickets here
Pedrito Martinez — 2026 GRAMMY Nominee
Best Latin Jazz Album (with Arturo O’Farrill)
The incomparable percussionist and bandleader brings his dynamic ensemble back to Spoleto, transforming the historic Cistern Yard with irresistible rhythms, Afro-Cuban grooves, powerful vocals, and infectious energy.
June 3 | College of Charleston Cistern Yard — get tickets here
Molly Tuttle — 2026 GRAMMY Nominee
Best Americana Performance
Acclaimed for her genre-spanning voice, stunning flatpicking, and deeply personal songwriting, Molly performs on the iconic Cistern Yard stage, delivering an unforgettable set that blends roots, resilience, and innovation.
June 4 | College of Charleston Cistern Yard — get tickets here
Brandi Carlile — 2026 GRAMMY Nominee
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her work on Who Believes in Angels? with Elton John
Brandi brings an intimate acoustic performance to Spoleto’s Cistern Yard, inviting audiences into an evening of deeply felt storytelling and musical nuance with one of today’s most compelling voices.
June 7 | College of Charleston Cistern Yard — get tickets here
Béla Fleck — 2026 GRAMMY Nominee
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for BEATrio
Fleck teams up with soprano Renée Fleming in The Fiddle and the Drum, a radiant celebration of Appalachian folk traditions and American musical heritage. This one-of-a-kind performance bridges genres and generations.
May 23 | Charleston Gaillard Center — get tickets here
Collectively, these nominations illustrate the extraordinary range of artistry heading to Spoleto this spring—from jazz and bluegrass to instrumental innovation and genre-blending vocal work. Spoleto Festival USA 2026 brings these internationally acclaimed performers—and many more—to stages across Charleston.