“It don’t mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!” Join the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for the evolution of electrifying big band swing music that took America by storm. From its birth with legendary ensembles such as Charleston’s own Jenkins Orphanage Band, Benny Goodman, and Fletcher Henderson Orchestras, to the indelible mark it continues […]
Matt White’s Dolly is a reimagining of the early music of Dolly Parton, combining her incredible song writing and lyrics with contemporary musical styles and improvisation. Currently the Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of South Carolina, Matt was drawn to Dolly’s early career and imagined how her music, often tackling themes of poverty and gender equality, […]
Oscar Rivers, Charleston’s Jazz Patriarch, made a name for himself in 1970’s Chicago, playing with everyone from Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Stevie Wonder, BB King, the Temptations, and the Quincy Jones Orchestra. Oscar is featured in An Encyclopedia of South Carolina Jazz and Blues Musicians, which documents South Carolinian musicians from the 19th century to the […]
Stachia ‘StaLaV’ Simmons is an artist and multi-instrumentalist from Goose Creek, SC. Born into a musical family, she began playing drums in church at the age of 2 and has been playing ever since. A powerhouse vocalist/instrumentalist, producer, and harmonic arranger, StaLaV has performed with several notables in the gospel industry and other Lowcountry favorites, […]
The New York Times describes Samara Joy as a “silky-voiced rising jazz star” and the Boston Globe compliments her “warm, capacious vocal instrument and breathtaking technique.” The 22-year old burst onto the world stage when her TikTok videos of soulful standards went viral landing her on the TODAY Show. She is newly signed to the […]
With a mission to revitalize jazz and swing music, this powerhouse ensemble has sold-out prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. They have toured the world selling millions of records and have their music featured in hundreds of film and television shows. They have appeared on Dancing with the Stars and Super […]
The Charleston Jazz Academy is pleased to host JAZZ GIRLS DAY in partnership with the University of South Carolina School of Music Jazz program. An annual initiative that invites and inspires girls from South Carolina to join the USC Jazz faculty for a day filled with learning, playing, and performing. The idea behind JAZZ GIRLS […]
GRAMMY-winning artist Dianne Reeves has been named a “Jazz Master” by the National Endowment for the Arts – the highest honor for a jazz artist in the United States. Reeves also holds an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Juilliard for her “breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B style.” Historian and […]
“Some drummers act, some react. Some keep time, others create it. Cindy Blackman Santana is among the few who can,” says Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune. Blackman started her career as a busker on the streets of New York City and has gone on to travel the world. Her high-energy performances are mesmerizing […]
Join CYP and the Young Lions of Jazz under the live oaks and Spanish moss at Firefly Distillery for a special Charleston Jazz Festival event celebrating young professionals! Mingle and network as you sip on local spirits and enjoy savory fare from Lola’s Lumpia food truck. This special pre-concert event will feature a chat with […]
American trumpeter, vocalist and former leader of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Charlton Singleton is a GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist along with his fellow Ranky Tanky band mates. Charleston Magazine says “watching Singleton at work is mesmerizing…Charlton Singleton is a musical alchemist, a magician.” One fan says “Just watching him conduct, play piano and trumpet draws […]
Jazz Family Day NOTE NEW LOCATION: Charleston County School of the Arts: 5109 W Enterprise St B, North Charleston, SC 29405 Join us for Jazz Family Day on April 30th from 2:30pm-6pm. Enjoy live music by area high school ensembles, food trucks (Sombrero Wok and Kona Ice), vendors and more! Featured bands include: Berkley All-County […]
