Charleston Jazz Gala
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Location: The Grand, 81 Mary St. Charleston, SC
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
“I want to give back some of the goodness I received.” – Louis Armstrong
Join Charleston Jazz for What a Wonderful World, an extraordinary celebration of jazz performance and education, at our annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Inspired by Louis Armstrong’s lifelong commitment to jazz education and his belief that every musician has something worth sharing, What a Wonderful World will celebrate that spirit while investing in the future of jazz.
The evening features acclaimed trumpeter Bruce Harris who will take the stage alongside Charleston Jazz Orchestra musicians and talented students from the Charleston Jazz Academy for a one-of-a-kind performance. Bruce Harris is a gifted musician and educator with a deep respect for tradition while fearlessly exploring new musical ideas. As Program Director at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, he carries Armstrong’s legacy forward by inspiring new generations through performance, mentorship, and jazz education.
Each year, Charleston Jazz presents the Tip of the Hat Award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the jazz community. This year, we are honored to recognize Charleston native Dr. Al Fraser, a distinguished folklorist, historian, and djembe artist. Dr. Fraser is best known for co-authoring the acclaimed 1979 autobiography To Be, or Not…to Bop with legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
The evening is hosted by WCBD News 2 anchor Carolyn Murray, and will feature a three-course dinner, an open bar, an exciting live auction, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through the Fund-a-Need. The celebration will continue with a lively after-party featuring more live jazz!
Celebrate the music. Support the mission. Help shape the next generation of jazz artists and audiences.
Dress: Cocktail. Black Tie Optional
An Investment in the Future of Jazz
More than a spectacular night out, What a Wonderful World is an investment in the future of jazz and the Charleston community. Proceeds directly support Charleston Jazz’s mission to advance the art form through performance, education, and outreach while celebrating and preserving Charleston’s important place in jazz history.
As the only organization in the region devoted exclusively to jazz performance and education, Charleston Jazz provides essential programs to our community. Our education programs focus on making jazz accessible with in-school performances, mentorship, program scholarships, performance opportunities, 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.
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.
About Dr. Al Fraser
Dr. Al Fraser is a distinguished folklorist, historian, and djembe artist dedicated to preserving the rich cultural and jazz heritage of Charleston and the Lowcountry. A Charleston native, Dr. Fraser is perhaps best known for co-authoring To Be, or Not…to Bop, the 1979 autobiography of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Through his work, he has helped document, preserve, and share the stories, traditions, and musical heritage that shape the Lowcountry.
