Charleston Jazz Festival | Havana Night with Paquito D’Rivera – Charleston Jazz Orchestra
April 26, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM EDT
PURCHASE TICKETS
You can renew or purchase a Season Subscription or Flex Pass online or by phone. To purchase by phone, call the Box Office (Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM):
(843) 641-0011
Latin Jazz with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra
Get ready for an extraordinary night of music as the Charleston Jazz Orchestra proudly presents Grammy Award-Winner Paquito D’Rivera, a Cuban-American virtuoso known for his mastery of the alto saxophone and clarinet. With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that blends traditional Latin jazz with contemporary influences, D’Rivera brings a unique and electrifying energy to the stage. His performances are celebrated for their infectious rhythms, lyrical melodies, and innovative arrangements that showcase his unparalleled talent and deep-rooted passion for jazz.
Concert Length: 90 min (no intermission)
Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera, a Havana-born musical prodigy, has won 5 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammy Awards. He is celebrated for his mastery of both Latin jazz and classical composition. He began his career at a young age, performing with the National Theater Orchestra at age 10 and later becoming a soloist with the Cuban National Symphony at 17. D’Rivera co-founded the innovative ensemble Irakere, blending jazz, rock, classical, and Cuban music, and later joined Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra, earning a Grammy in 1991. With over 30 solo albums, he has performed with prestigious orchestras worldwide and composed numerous works, including collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma. His compositions, published by Boosey and Hawkes, reflect his diverse musical influences, ranging from Afro-Cuban rhythms to classical and jazz, earning him accolades such as the 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship and Composer-In-Residence at Caramoor. Learn more at paquitodrivera.com.
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival, now expanded to an incredible 9 days of jazz events, thanks to our partnerships with Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Gaillard Center, the College of Charleston, American Theater, The Establishment and Charleston Music Hall. 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!
Often hailed as one of the top things to do in Charleston, SC, attending a Charleston Jazz Orchestra concert is an unforgettable experience. If you are new to the jazz genre and big band style, take a risk and surprise yourself. Our director Robert Lewis will guide you through the nuances and significance of each piece, sharing stories behind the songs and composers. Many arrangements have been specially created by our own orchestra members and can’t be heard anywhere else in the world. You can get a taste of past performances on our YouTube channel here.
When you step through the doors of the Charleston Music Hall you are stepping back in time into a circa 1849 train station, historically known as the Tower Depot. You will hear the iconic sounds of jazz wafting through the lobby, reminiscent of the city’s rich jazz history. Stop by one of the lobby bars on the lower or upper lever to purchase snacks, beer, wine or soft drinks to bring with you into the theatre. Our friendly ushers will greet you and assist you in finding your way to your seats – there’s not a bad seat in the house!
Our audience is diverse and you will see patrons of all ages and walks of life, including couples, singles, students, families, and groups of friends – jazz has never met a stranger and all are welcome. Many of our guests are tourists visiting Charleston, and some of our regular attendees have been coming to concerts since the beginning of the organization. We hope that you will become one of our “regulars” as well by joining the Charleston Jazz family by becoming a Season Subscriber, Member, Sponsor, Donor, Student or Advertiser. There is a place for YOU at Charleston Jazz.
I have been a season ticket holder since the inception of Charleston Jazz Orchestra for many wonderful reasons. The caliber of performances are spectacular. Their musical selections appeal to all musical tastes regardless of age. The Music Hall is the perfect venue for such a group of phenomenal artists.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lil H., Google Review
We love the Charleston Jazz Orchestra! We have been attending their concerts for about seven years. They are so talented and entertaining.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Cheryl I., Google Review
Watch this video of a past Charleston Jazz Orchestra performance:
Venue:
Charleston Music Hall
37 John St., Charleston, SC 29403
Parking:
Camden Garage
47 John St., Charleston, SC 29403
Charleston Visitors Center Parking Garage
73 Mary St., Charleston, SC 29403
Marion Square Garage
399 King St., Charleston, SC 29403
For questions about accessibility and ADA seating, please call our Box Office at 843-641-0011. Wheelchair access and companion seating are available on the lower level. (Note that the Charleston Music Hall is an historic building without an elevator to the balcony seating.) Please notify our Box Office if you need to enter the hall via the side entrance to avoid front main entry stairs.
Nearby Dining:
Note: These links are provided for your convenience. Charleston Jazz does not represent or endorse any of these services.
Lodging Package:
We are proud to partner with the Francis Marion hotel as our official lodging partner in 2024. Book the Francis Marion’s Charleston Jazz Package this season! Your package includes accommodations at the Francis Marion Hotel, (2) cocktails at the Swamp Fox Restaurant & (2) tickets to the Charleston Jazz Orchestra!
Other Lodging Options:
Note: These 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.
Refreshments are available for purchase at the bars located in the lobby and upstairs. The bars offer snacks and candy as well as beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
See you at the show!
