Two sensational saxophonists combine forces for one mighty concert

Two fantastic saxophonists — Tia Fuller and Grace Kelly — are combining forces for one night in San Francisco.

The two talented musicians, who are also accomplished composers and bandleaders, perform a co-headlining show at SFJAZZ Center on Jan. 16.

Fuller is an award-winning instrumentalist, whose many accolades include having earned the title of best alto saxophonist in the 2018 JazzTimes Jazz Critics Poll. That very same year, she was the Artist-in-Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

She’s released a number of recordings as a bandleader and has played alongside such talents as Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Kelly Rowland, Dionne Warwick, Janelle Monáe, Aretha Franklin and Beyonce. It’s the latter that really brought the saxophonist massive notoriety, as Fuller toured the world — playing before thousands of fans at each stop — with Queen Bey.

Kelly got a very early start in the industry, having written her first tune at age 7 and then released her full-length debut, 2005’s “Dreaming,” at 12.

Since then, the saxophonist — who is also a gifted vocalist — has become a very recognizable name in the jazz world, thanks to a steady stream of well-received albums like 2009’s “Mood Changes” and 2011’s “Man with the Hat.”

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25-$85, sfjazz.org.