Taking inspiration from luminaries such as Kurt Elling, Christian Wiggs is a vocalist, bandleader, lyricist, producer, director, artist manager, educator and founder of Bandstand Presents, an Austin-based arts organization, committed to the inclusivity, visibility and collaboration of jazz scenes across the nation.

Born to a choreographer, Wiggs’ immersion into theatre and the jazz tradition has led to a remarkable career having performed on prolific stages including Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note New York, Jazz at Lincoln Center (Dizzy’s Club), Vibrato Grill Jazz, SXSW Music Festival, The 1905, Sam First, Jazz TX and Monks Jazz.

Christian has shared the stage with acclaimed musicians such as Benny Benack III, Bryan Carter, Steven Feifke, Martina DaSilva, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Lauren Sevian, Bijon Watson, Alexa Tarantino, Danny Jonokuchi, Summer Camargo, Troy Roberts, Jennifer Wharton, Dan “Chimy” Chmielinski, Kellin Hanas, Mathis Picard, Diego Rivera, Kate Kortum, Clark Sommers, Andre Hayward, Daniel Foose, George Fludas, Tatiana “Ladymay” Mayfield, Robert Edwards and Robert Ellis.

Suited to the modern era, the Christian Wiggs Big Band features original compositions and celebrated hits from an array of musical genres and artists. The band has received praise not only for its versatility, but for its interpretation of pop music through the lens of the jazz tradition. Christian frequently collaborates with celebrated arrangers for the ensemble such as Steven Feifke, Danny Jonokuchi, Thomas Wenglinski, Mike Sailors, Diego Rivera and John Mills.

As the founder of Bandstand’s record label, Wiggs has produced and distributed records for Emmet Cohen, Bryan Carter, Steven Feifke, Benny Benack and Kate Kortum. Not only a musical collaborator, Wiggs serves as artist management for Tony Award-winner Bryan Carter and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown.

In addition to his own three studio albums, Wiggs is the host and producer of “Off The Bandstand” — an interview series that features celebrated jazz musicians across the world.

Behind the camera, Christian serves as an active producer and director, his work being featured by ABC News, NPR Live Sessions, Playbill, Queerty, Pride.com, and WRTI 90.1. Committed to education, Wiggs has performed and conducted lectures as a guest artist for institutions such as University of North Texas, Iona University, Texas State University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, JazzVoice.com and is the Executive Director of the Global Jazz Workshop.