Jazz Notes

April is Jazz Appreciation Month—a time to recognize the rich legacy and vibrant future of this uniquely American art form. This year, Charleston Jazz is celebrating not only the music itself, but the deeper mission behind it: realizing dreams through music and preserving jazz as a living, evolving art form through education that is truly accessible to all.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, few art forms tell the American story as clearly and powerfully as jazz. Born from African American communities in cities like New Orleans and Charleston, jazz emerged from a blending of African rhythms, European harmony, blues, spirituals, and lived experience into something entirely new.

In 1939, a nightclub singer stepped onto a stage and sang a song about lynching. Club owners urged her not to. The room fell silent—no one knew whether to applaud. She sang it anyway.

We are pleased to announce that local music legend George Kenny will be honored with the 2024 Tip of the Hat Award at this year’s Charleston Jazz Gala. The prestigious award, named after Charleston Jazz Co-Founder Jack McCray and his renowned collection of hats, will be presented at the American Theater on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Investing in your child’s music education is one of the most impactful decisions you can make—and what better time to start than this summer? At CJA’s Summer Combo Camp, young musicians will have the opportunity to grow as artists, collaborators, and confident individuals in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Charleston has long been a cultural crossroads where music, history, and tradition converge in unique and powerful ways. One exciting recent expression of this is The Gullah Suite. Presented by the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Part III of The Gullah Suite continues to highlight the region’s rich musical heritage, paying tribute to two iconic figures with deep ties to SC: Buddy Johnson and the beloved jazz legend, John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)—a time to honor the rich legacy and vibrant future of jazz music. Established by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001, JAM celebrates jazz’s impact on culture, history, and artistic expression. And what better place to celebrate than Charleston, SC—a city with deep jazz roots and a thriving music scene?

Discover the powerful origins of jazz this Black History Month. Explore how the Jenkins Orphanage Band of Charleston shaped early jazz, blending African rhythms and Gullah culture to influence a groundbreaking musical movement rooted in resilience and creativity.

Building on the rich tradition of “O Tannenbaum,” composer and jazz musician Gordon (Dick) Goodwin has created a dynamic and innovative adaptation that transforms this classic into an exciting holiday jazz experience. Known for his exceptional work with The Big Phat Band, Goodwin’s arrangement of “O Tannenbaum” stands out as a vibrant fusion of styles, showcasing his unique musical voice.

We are pleased to announce that local music legend George Kenny will be honored with the 2024 Tip of the Hat Award at this year’s Charleston Jazz Gala. The prestigious award, named after Charleston Jazz Co-Founder Jack McCray and his renowned collection of hats, will be presented at the American Theater on Friday, October 18, 2024.