Charleston Jazz Festival: Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet
April 27 @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM EDT
PURCHASE TICKETS
The grand finale of the Charleston Jazz Festival is presented in partnership with Spoleto Festival USA and will feature the incomparable Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet from New Orleans. A National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and cultural ambassador, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison masterfully blends traditional New Orleans sounds with modern jazz, funk and more, creating a style as vibrant and dynamic as the city he calls home and as broad as jazz gets.
After an early stint in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Harrison has gone on to be among the most distinctive and wide-ranging of jazz bandleaders and among the most sought-after band members, working regularly with the likes of Ron Carter, The Headhunters and The Cookers. His high-energy grooves, fluid improvisation, and soulful melodies move from bebop to soul to funk and have entranced audiences around the world. In his hometown, New Orleans, he is known as “Big Chief” for his pivotal role in preserving and promoting a tradition of Afro-New Orleans Cultural Groups he inherited from his father, and that is a vital element of community organization. Don’t miss this spectacular closing concert, where the Big Chief and his quartet will capture the spirit of New Orleans, celebrating the legacy and future of jazz in an unforgettable performance.
DONALD HARRISON – ALTO SAXOPHONE
DAN KAUFMAN – PIANO
NORI NARAOKA – BASS
JOE DYSON – DRUMS
This performance and the related education programs are made possible by the Oliver S. and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust and Hilton C. Smith Jr., and the Byron Fellowship Educational Foundation.
“A genius!” — Maestro Eddie Palmieri
“…One of the greatest…” — Jon Batiste
“…One of the best…” — NY Times
Related Programs
In-School Performance & Masterclass:
Donald Harrison will inspire students with an in-school performance at a local public school and lead a masterclass for Charleston Jazz Academy youth combo students.
Bark Like Thunder, Roll Like Lightning:
A Conversation About Building Community Through Culture
Followed by Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet, in performance
Join us on Tuesday, April 29 6PM at Fox Music House for a FREE intimate evening with NEA Jazz Master alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, who is Big Chief of Congo Square Nation, an Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group.
About Donald Harrison
Learn more here: https://donaldharrison.com/big-chief-donald-harrison
And here: https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/donald-harrison-jr
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival, now expanded to an incredible 9 days of jazz events. This year’s festival promises world-class performers and venues, and a true celebration of jazz at the heart of Charleston. Join us for an unforgettable week that highlights the power of music and the strength of our vibrant arts community! For any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 843.641.0011.
Venue:
Circular Congregational Church
150 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Parking:
Metered street parking is available throughout the area.
Parking Garages:
Cumerbland St. Parking Garage–82 Cumberland St.
King & Queen St. Parking Garage – 85 Queen St.
Liberty Center Garage – 21 Horlbeck Alley
The sanctuary is fully accessible to wheelchairs via the ramp in the back of the building. The ramp entrance is near the gate to the Synovus bank parking lot. The second floor of Lance Hall and the church school space are accessible by elevator. Hearing enhancement devices and large print worship bulletins are available. For those who prefer to use their own headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids, we also have Audiofetch which may be used via smartphone app.
Nearby Dining:
Note: These links are provided for your convenience. Charleston Jazz does not represent or endorse any of these services.
We are proud to partner with Emeline for the 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival season.
Emeline
Nestled amongst the cobblestone streets and brightly colored row houses in Charleston’s historic downtown district, Emeline is a clever and thoughtfully designed retreat crafted for the curious traveler in mind, charting their own course.
In collaboration with Charleston Jazz, Emeline is proud to support and showcase the vibrant culture of our city, where music, history, and hospitality intertwine seamlessly. From our central perch in Charleston, we invite you to explore and connect with the vibrant culture of Charleston during your stay.
Click here to explore Emeline’s Hotel Offers and Packages. https://hotelemeline.com/offers
Other Lodging Options:
Note: Links are provided for your convenience. Charleston Jazz does not represent or endorse any of these services.
Bus Services:
The CARTA bus system offers a free downtown shuttle called the DASH. Visit their site for map and schedule here.
Car Services:
There are a variety of local transportation services available including taxis, Uber and Lyft.
Pedi Cab Services
Note: These links are provided for your convenience. Charleston Jazz does not represent or endorse any of these services.
There will be no food or drink available for purchase
See you at the show!
