The outing starts and ends in California with a December 1 launch in Fresno and finale in Escondido December 22. In between, the jazz package will make 16 stops across the U.S., including Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Colorado Springs and Phoenix.

Each of the four performers will have a solo set and back up the others when it’s their time in the spotlight.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Butler’s ninth album, Story of Life, traces his struggle and triumph over a childhood in apartheid South Africa. He landed his first record deal at age 12 and was among the first black recording artists to receive airplay on white-owned radio stations in his homeland.

Trumpeter/composer Chris Botti toured with Sting earlier this year in support of his third album, Slowing Down the World. He’s previously toured with Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell.

Wayman Tisdale had another successful career before taking off in the jazz world – playing forward for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns basketball team. Tisdale has recorded three albums, including the top 10-charting Power Forward and In The Zone.

Keyboardist Alex Bugnon has six albums to his credit, including the recent Alex Bugnon … As Promised.