Leading banjo player Bela Fleck is considered one of the most innovative pickers in the world and has demonstrated his versatility on this instrument, which he uses to play everything from traditional bluegrass to progressive jazz. Catch him live with pals this year on the BEATrio tour, where he'll be joined by special guests at select dates.

Esperanza Spalding is in the midst of a huge career evolution. Having emerged in the early 2000s as the anointed savior of modern jazz (who beat out Justin Bieber to a Best New Artists Grammy), she's dispatched with her traditional arrangements as she creates her work. Fans can expect an eclectic mix of music, narrative and performance art, which really delves into healing and giving the audience member or listener and truly tingling sensation.

Ever since the 1978 release of their politically-charged, landmark debut album Handsworth Revolution, iconic British roots reggae outfit Steel Pulse have shaped the music landscape with a pioneering and innovative spirit. Fusing the well traversed upbeats of reggae with elements of jazz, latin music, dance and R&B, the went on to become the first non-Jamaican band to win a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.