Charleston Jazz Gala
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Location: The Grand, Charleston, SC
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join Charleston Jazz for What a Wonderful World — an unforgettable evening of music inspired by the great Louis Armstrong, spirited celebration, and meaningful impact at our annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 15.
As Louis Armstrong once said, “Everyone has their own music bubbling up inside them.” What a Wonderful World promises to honor that spirit, in celebration of his lifelong commitment to jazz education and his belief that every musician has something worth sharing.
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, an open bar, an exciting live auction, and the opportunity to make a difference through the Fund-a-Need. Acclaimed trumpeter Bruce Harris will take the stage alongside local musicians and talented students from the Charleston Jazz Academy for a one-of-a-kind performance, followed by a lively after-party!
More than a spectacular night out, this evening is an investment in the future of jazz. Proceeds directly support Charleston Jazz’s mission to advance the art form through performance, education, and outreach while celebrating and preserving Charleston’s role in jazz history.
As the only organization in the region devoted exclusively to making jazz accessible to young people, Charleston Jazz offers in-school performances, mentorship, program scholarships, performance experience, and professional instruction to students throughout the region. These experiences introduce young musicians to America’s original art form while helping them develop confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lasting sense of connection.
Celebrate the music. Support the mission. Help shape the next generation of jazz artists and audiences.
About Bruce Harris
Charleston Jazz is proud to welcome Bruce Harris as its 2026 Musician-in-Residence. During his week in our community, Harris will lead masterclasses at six to eight area schools and work with students enrolled in the Charleston Jazz Academy. Through this residency, hundreds of young musicians will have the rare opportunity to learn from and be inspired by one of today’s master jazz artists.
Harris is a dynamic voice on the international jazz scene, celebrated for bringing a fresh, contemporary spirit to the traditions of bebop. He has performed around the world as a bandleader and alongside many of jazz’s leading artists. As Program Director at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Harris carries Armstrong’s legacy forward by inspiring new generations through performance, mentorship, and jazz education.
