Charleston Jazz

2022 CJF: Edwin G. Hamilton Quintet
2022-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Forte Jazz Lounge, 477 King St,, Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
The Charleston Jazz Festival started in 2015 and is a special time of year when jazz fans throughout the country flock to Charleston to celebrate the Holy City’s rich jazz heritage and thriving jazz scene. From April 21 – 24, 2022, the 2022 Charleston Jazz Festival will feature student musicians during Family Jazz Day, local jazz groups during Lowcountry Jazz Day (Edwin G Hamilton Quintet, Marcus Amaker + Ron Wiltrout, The Grace McNally Trio + The Plantation Singers, and The Abdiel Iriarte Experiment), and internationally acclaimed performers including the Emmet Cohen Trio, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Bruce Harris, the Jorge Luis Pacheco Quartet, Kandace Springs and Etienne Charles & Creole Soul.

2022 CHARLESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
Lowcountry Jazz Day
Edwin G. Hamilton Quintet
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Edwin G Hamilton’s Quintet kicks off the 2022 Charleston Jazz Festival with style! The Edwin G Hamilton Quintet will take you on a journey of original music with their blend of Jazz, Gospel, and a subtle hint of R&B. Leading from his drumset, Edwin’s dedication to the art of music is inspiring. Edwin G. Hamilton earned a Jazz Fellowship to study with drummer Herlin Riley in New Orleans and has performed/recorded with such notable artists as Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Printup, Wycliffe Gordon, and many more. You don’t want to miss this stellar lineup of Lowcountry jazz greats!
Edwin G. Hamilton – Drums/Vocals
Mark Sterbank – Saxophone
Jonathan Lovett – Piano
Bryan Motte – Guitar
Brett Belanger – Bass
Thursday, April 21, 2022
5:30PM
Forte Jazz Lounge

Tickets: $20 – $40
If you need assistance, please call the box office at 843.641.0011
Save $5 off the total ticket price when you purchase a Lowcountry Jazz Day 2 SHOW PASS!

Check out the full schedule of the 2022 Charleston Jazz Festival HERE.

THE 'SUITE' SOUNDS OF ELLINGTON: The New Orleans + Far East Suites
2022-03-26 20:00 - 21:30, 2022-03-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
THE ‘SUITE’ SOUNDS OF ELLINGTON: The New Orleans and Far East Suites
As one of the most influential figures in jazz, Duke Ellington created a distinctive big band sound, continuing to play what he called “American music” until shortly before his death in 1974. In the words of Ellington, “music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.” Throughout his 50-year career, Ellington wrote a few long-form multi-movement works, using the suite format to give his jazz a more empowering meaning, resonance and purpose. On March 26, 2022, your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will showcase two memorable, vital and innovative suites from Ellington’s late career – The New Orleans Suite and The Far East Suite. Join your CJO for an evening of The ‘Suite’ Sounds of Ellington, a night dedicated to one of the major creative forces in the music of the twentieth century.

This performance is made possible in part by REV Federal Credit Union.

MARCH 26, 2022
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) and Military Rates
$10 Student Rates Available | Children 6 and under are FREE*
*Must call Box Office for Student/Child Rate at 843.641.0011
Save 10% with a Season Subscription + Save 5% with a Trio Pass Package.
Your ticket purchase will include access to the virtual performance.
If you need assistance or want to purchase a Wheelchair Space + Companion Seat, please call the box office at 843.641.0011.

About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Lewis, has been performing for audiences in the Lowcountry for over 13 years. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is comprised of 18 accomplished jazz musicians and is an entertaining and educational example of the rich history of jazz in Charleston. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra offers a six concert subscription series known for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-evolving Lowcountry arts scene. Find out more about the Charleston Jazz Orchestra members HERE.
Watch past Charleston Jazz Orchestra performances HERE.

This concert will be performed at Firefly Distillery on March 25 (View HERE) and will be available as a virtual performance on April 16 (View HERE).

LIVE AT FIREFLY: The 'Suite' Sounds of Ellington
2022-03-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, 29405, United States
LIVE AT FIREFLY: The ‘Suite’ Sounds of Ellington
As one of the most influential figures in jazz, Duke Ellington created a distinctive big band sound, continuing to play what he called “American music” until shortly before his death in 1974. In the words of Ellington, “music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.” Throughout his 50-year career, Ellington wrote a few long-form multi-movement works, using the suite format to give his jazz a more empowering meaning, resonance and purpose. On March 25, 2022, your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will showcase two memorable, vital and innovative suites from Ellington’s late career – The New Orleans Suite and The Far East Suite. Join your CJO for Live at Firefly: The ‘Suite’ Sounds of Ellington!

This performance is made possible in part by REV Federal Credit Union and Firefly Distillery

MARCH 25, 2022
Doors: 5pm | Show: 6pm
Tickets: $30 Adult | $25 Senior/Military | $10 Students
Senior (65+) and Military Rates
$10 Student Rates Available | Children 6 and under are FREE*
*Must call Box Office for Student/Child Rate at 843.641.0011
Located near Park Circle in North Charleston, Firefly Distillery features beautiful large grounds with plenty of space for our audience to enjoy the performance. This is an outdoor event and guests are required to bring their own chairs. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink permitted. Free parking available on site.

About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Lewis, has been performing for audiences in the Lowcountry for over 13 years. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is comprised of 18 accomplished jazz musicians and is an entertaining and educational example of the rich history of jazz in Charleston. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra offers a six concert subscription series known for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-evolving Lowcountry arts scene. Find out more about the Charleston Jazz Orchestra members HERE.
Watch past Charleston Jazz Orchestra performances HERE.

This concert will be performed at the Charleston Music Hall on March 26 (View HERE) and will be available as a virtual performance on April 16 (View HERE).

Jazz Day For Kids
2022-03-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
Join us for Jazz Day for Kids presented by Charleston Jazz Orchestra and the Charleston Gaillard Center. Led by orchestra director Robert Lewis and the Gaillard Center’s Artist-in-Residence Emeritus, Charlton Singleton. Students will enjoy a big band concert and learn about the origin of jazz music. Kindergarten – 8th Grades

Momentum
2022-03-11 21:30 - 23:00, 2022-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Forte Jazz Lounge, 477 King St,, Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
Momentum is a brand new music group, presented by Charleston Jazz, with some of the finest musicians in the Lowcountry.
They create an eclectic mix of Classic and Contemporary Fusion, R&B, Soul Jazz, and Gospel. Their music is inspired by Robert Glasper, Jon Batiste, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, and Snarky Puppy. Demetrius Doctor, Music Director of the Royal Missionary Baptist Church, leads Momentum, an exciting new group of All Star musicians!
ROSTER
Demetrius Doctor – Keyboards
Calvin Baxter, II – Drums
LaVonta Green – Bass
Lee Barbour – Guitar
David Grimm – Guitar
Mark Sterbank – Saxophone
Stachia Simmons – Vocals
MARCH 11, 2022
Two Sets: 7pm + 9:30pm
Tickets:
Premiere – $40.00
Mid Tier – $30.00
Third Tier – $20.00

ABOUT DEMETRIUS DOCTOR
Hailing from North Charleston, SC, Demetrius Doctor’s musical journey began at age 5 as a self-taught pianist in church. The Gullah-Geechee influence of the Black church in the Lowcountry is the foundation on which all of his musicality is built.
Demetrius attended The Charleston County School of Arts, where he received numerous musical awards and recognitions for his work in piano and tuba. He went on to receive his B.A. in Music from the College of Charleston and later received his M.A. in Music Technology from Coastal Carolina University.
His musical journey has blessed him to work with Gospel artists like Tye Tribbett, Jonathan Nelson, and Duranice Pace, as well as jazz musicians like Fred Wesley and Freddy Cole. He’s also toured Italy, Spain, Croatia, and many cities in the United States.
Demetrius currently serves as Minister of Music at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC and can be found playing in multiple venues and settings in and throughout the Charleston Area. Outside of music, Demetrius enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife, Corinthian, and their daughter, Alani.

Check out other Charleston Jazz events HERE.

EASY TO LOVE: Camille Thurman + CJO
2022-02-26 20:00 - 21:30, 2022-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
COVID POLICY AT THE CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
Please note the Charleston Music Hall is requiring all fans to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry OR a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event. For more information about this policy, go HERE

EASY TO LOVE: Camille Thurman + CJO
On February 26, 2022, it will be EASY TO LOVE and easy to remember the name, Camille Thurman, as she joins your Charleston Jazz Orchestra for the Season 14 opener at the Charleston Music Hall. For Camille Thurman, “the horn is a voice, and the voice is a horn.” Fluid and powerful on the tenor saxophone and highly inventive as a vocalist, her rich sax sounds have been compared to Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, while her vocal approach – including an impressive scatting ability – has been classified alongside those of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter.
As a composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, educator, she is quickly becoming one of the standard bearers for the art form. Camille Thurman constantly makes a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes. You will want to get the best seat in the house to witness the rising jazz talent of Camille Thurman, as she brings her soulful and warm sound to Charleston for an evening of beautiful jazz in EASY TO LOVE: Camille Thurman + CJO!
FEBRUARY 26, 2022
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) and Military Rates
$10 Student Rates Available | Children 6 and under are FREE*
*Must call Box Office for Student/Child Rate at 843.641.0011
Save 10% with a Season Subscription + Save 5% with a Trio Pass Package.
Your ticket purchase will include access to the virtual performance.
If you need assistance or want to purchase a Wheelchair Space + Companion Seat, please call the box office at 843.641.0011.

About Camille Thurman

In a few short years, Thurman has shared stages with such jazz and R&B luminaries as George Coleman, Roy Haynes, Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Hendricks, Janelle Monáe, Alicia Keys, Lalah Hathaway, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu among others.
Thurman was the first woman in 30 years to tour and perform full time, internationally with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a saxophonist/woodwind doubler (2018-2020). Also, Thurman leads her band, The Camille Thurman Quartet, which has toured and performed at numerous notable concert venues and jazz festivals around the world. Currently, she is a collaborative featured artist with the Darrell Green Trio.
Thurman was chosen by the U.S. State Department under the Fulbright Scholarship grant to perform in Paraguay and Nicaragua with her band. She and Darrell Green were selected by American Music Abroad and the U.S. State Department to tour and perform in various African countries including Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania. In May of 2020, Camille created and founded “The Haven Hang: Young Lioness Musician A&A/Virtual Mentorship Series.” The Haven Hang – a virtual mentorship series for young women musicians, with an initiative to mentor, share advice and support young women pursuing careers in music and the performing arts. Read more about Camille Thurman HERE.

This concert will be available as a virtual performance on March 19 (View HERE).

Holiday Swing - A Charleston Jazz Tradition
2021-12-04 15:00 - 16:30, 2021-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
NEW COVID POLICY AT THE CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
Please note the Charleston Music Hall is requiring all fans to provide PRINTED proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. For more information about this policy, go HERE

Maestro Robert Lewis and your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will swing you into the holiday spirit with big band arrangements of winter classics and holiday favorites. Add some jazz to your holiday cheer with this Charleston Jazz tradition!
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) | Military Rates Available
***Your Live at the CMH ticket includes access to the Virtual Performance
For $10 Student Tickets, please call the box office at 843.641.0011

FREE TICKET OFFER

As a small token of appreciation to our teachers, nurses, first responders, and doctors, we would like to offer free tickets to HOLIDAY SWING: A Charleston Jazz Tradition featuring Zandrina Dunning! You can get up to (4) free tickets for you and your family for either the 5pm or the 8pm set time on December 4, 2021 at the Charleston Music Hall. Doors open at 4pm for Set 1: 5pm and 7pm for Set 2: 8pm. Just show up to the Charleston Music Hall box office on December 4, 2021 with your work I.D. to receive your free ticket(s).
Tickets are on a first come first serve basis. Box office opens at 3pm on December 4, 2021 at the Charleston Music Hall.

About Zandrina Dunning – Special Guest Vocalist for Holiday Swing
Zandrina Dunning is a multi-genre vocalist and concert producer originally from Boston Massachusetts. The Charleston area has been home for the creative since her early grade school beginnings.
Although she began singing at a young age in church and in elementary school, Zandrina began her professional musical journey studying Classical music and Theatre Arts at South Carolina State University in 2000. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Industry with a concentration in Vocal Music in 2004.
Zandrina has performed with local and national recording artists to include Multi-Grammy Award winner George Benson, Nashville singer/songwriter Patrick Davis, Darius Rucker & Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish, American Idol Season 11 finalist, Elise Testone, and more. She has performed at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN, the Lincoln Theater in New York City, and other noted venues throughout the US and internationally.
Ms. Dunning gained the attention of International Afro-Cuban Percussionist, Gino Castillo when he featured the vocalist on his 2015 release appropriately titled “Soul FunKubanized” live in Havana, Cuba in 2016.
In 2017, Zandrina had the opportunity of a lifetime as she traveled to Liberia, West Africa with the Save More Kids Organization to teach music and perform in Monrovia with the young adults from Christ Children’s Home in Gbarnga City.
Since 2013, Zandrina has been managing her own career, providing professional opportunities for her colleagues, & producing concerts to include tribute shows to Janet Jackson, girl groups from the 1970’s to today, Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, and more. She also performed duties as the Associate Producer at South of Broadway Theatre Company in North Charleston from 2018-2020. Currently, she is proud to be affiliated with Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera (Operations & Marketing), OHM Radio (Programming & Talent Management), Charleston Jazz Academy (Vocal Coach), Forte Jazz Lounge (Show Production) & The Charleston Music Hall (Show Production).
Zandrina can be seen performing in and around Charleston with the Andy Masker Band, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, and with her own project, The Zandrina Dunning Experience.

This performance has been made possible in part by REV Federal Credit Union.

This concert will be available as a virtual performance (View HERE).

Groovin' High - A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie featuring Jon Faddis - 8pm
2021-10-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
NEW COVID POLICY AT THE CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
Please note the Charleston Music Hall is requiring all fans to provide PRINTED proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. For more information about this policy, go HERE

With a relationship that spanned 30 years – from idol to mentor to friend, few living musicians have such a deep connection to jazz legend and pioneer of Bebop, Dizzy Gillespie than Jon Faddis. When Faddis blasted onto the jazz scene, audiences were amazed at the young musician’s range, techniques and ability to successfully mirror the complex style of Dizzy Gillespie. Faddis soon developed his own trademark style and is now known as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. Even Dizzy described Faddis as “He’s the best ever – including me!” Living legend Jon Faddis will join your Charleston Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute and celebrate the musicianship and life of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie with Groovin’ High!
Jon Faddis will return in 2022 for a residency at our Charleston Jazz Academy providing master classes as well as visiting a few schools in our community sharing his passions for jazz.
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) | Military Rates Available
***Your Live at the CMH ticket includes access to the Virtual Performance
For $10 Student Tickets, please call the box office at 843.641.0011

FREE TICKET OFFER
As a small token of appreciation to our teachers, nurses, first responders, and doctors, we would like to offer free tickets to GROOVIN’ HIGH: A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie featuring Jon Faddis! You can get up to (4) free tickets for you and your family for either the 5pm or the 8pm set time on October 23, 2021 at the Charleston Music Hall. Doors open at 4pm for Set 1: 5pm and 7pm for Set 2: 8pm. Just show up to the Charleston Music Hall box office on October 23, 2021 with your work I.D. to receive your free ticket(s).
Tickets are on a first come first serve basis. Box office opens at 3pm on October 23, 2021 at the Charleston Music Hall.

More about Jon Faddis
Jon Faddis is a complete and consummate musician – conductor, composer, and educator. Marked by both intense integrity and humor, Faddis earned accolades from his close friend and mentor John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, who declared of Faddis, “He’s the best ever, including me!” As a trumpeter, Faddis possesses a virtually unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the practically impossible seem effortless.
Faddis is known as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. He has an unfailing commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and mater classes worldwide to help the next generation of jazz musicians. Read more HERE!

The residency and performance are made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts.

This concert will be available as a virtual performance (View HERE).

Groovin' High - A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie featuring Jon Faddis
2021-10-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States

Songs + Stories of Dizzy Gillespie with Jon Faddis and Dr. Al Fraser
2021-10-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Forte Jazz Lounge, 477 King St,, Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
In honor of Dizzy Gillespie’s 104th birthday (October 21, 1917), join us on October 21, 2021 at Forte Jazz Lounge for Songs + Stories of Dizzy Gillespie. The evening will consist of a musical conversation about jazz music heroes and their proteges, featuring jazz trumpet virtuoso, Jon Faddis, and Dr. Al Fraser, djembe artist and co-author of To Be or not….to Bop – Memoirs Dizzy Gillespie. Signed books will be available for purchase at the event.
This special event will also include a private performance from Jon Faddis with a rhythm section comprised of local jazz musicians:
Abdiel Iriarte – Piano
Frank Duvall – Bass
Ron Wiltrout – Drums
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 | 6:30PM
FORTE JAZZ LOUNGE
TICKETS: $20 – $40

This program is made possible in part by Forte Jazz Club and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More about Jon Faddis
Jon Faddis is a complete and consummate musician – conductor, composer, and educator. Marked by both intense integrity and humor, Faddis earned accolades from his close friend and mentor John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, who declared of Faddis, “He’s the best ever, including me!” As a trumpeter, Faddis possesses a virtually unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the practically impossible seem effortless.
Faddis is known as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. He has an unfailing commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and mater classes worldwide to help the next generation of jazz musicians. Read more HERE!

Dr. Al Fraser

COVID POLICY FOR THIS EVENT
Please note we are requiring all fans to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. Per CDC guidelines, we strongly recommend masks to be worn by all patrons, regardless of vaccination status. All venue staff are fully vaccinated and will be masked. Thank you for helping us facilitate a safe event experience.

Jon Faddis joins the Charleston Jazz Orchestra at the Charleston Music Hall on October 23, 2021 for Groovin’ High: A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie. Get your tickets HERE!

Jazz on Broadway - Manny Houston
2021-09-18 16:00 - 17:30, 2021-09-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
NEW COVID POLICY AT THE CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
Please note the Charleston Music Hall is requiring all fans to provide PRINTED proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. For more information about this policy, go HERE

Get your tickets and take your seats as the curtain opens onto your CJO’s Jazz on Broadway starring Manny Houston. The neon lights will be shining bright as Manny Houston and your CJO bring Broadway to the Charleston Music Hall stage. Tonight will be Some Enchanted Evening as Anything Goes with All That Jazz! There will be magic in the air as we give our regards to Broadway.
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) | Military Rates Available
***Your Live at the CMH ticket includes access to the Virtual Performance
For $10 Student Tickets, please call the box office at 843.641.0011

More about Manny Houston
Since becoming a viral sensation as a rapper and singer on musical apps like Voisey and RapChat, Manny Houston has been steadily building a loyal fan base that is anxiously awaiting the release of his music: Music filled with raw lyrics, introspective emotions, and soulful melodies.
An all-around creative from South Carolina, Manny is a well-studied musician and artist, very akin to Donald Glover and Kanye West in his creation. Though his main medium is Hip-Hop, Manny has his hands in all artistic and musical fields.
He has a degree in classical piano, has worked professionally as a musician since the age of seventeen and was last seen in the Off-Broadway show “Forbidden Broadway Next Generation”. Now he is diving fully into the world of Hip-Hop to bring together all his talents. With no album out, he’s managed to garner shoutouts from artists and execs, such as: Westside Boogie, Jacob Collier, Denzyl Fiegelson (CEO of Platoon) , and even managed to snag a deal with Snapchat for one of his first singles “Coupe.”
What is happening now?
This August, Manny begins his 4 month run in the musical Kinky Boots at the Paramount Theater in Chicago!
Check out this interview!
“I came to Charleston as a college student enrolled in the Musical Arts program at the College of Charleston. The richness of the musical heritage in Charleston helped me to really understand music. So much musical talent came out of Charleston that music is a tradition here.” – Manny Houston | Read more of Manny’s recent interview in SC Music Guide HERE!

Watch Manny Houston in action when he performed with your Charleston Jazz Orchestra back in 2019 for MESS AROUND: A Tribute to Ray Charles.

Watch more performances HERE in our From the Archives Series

This performance has been made possible in part by REV Federal Credit Union.

This concert will be available as a virtual performance (View HERE).

SOLD OUT! ART OF JAZZ: Geoffrey Dean Trio (wait list available)
2021-08-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
UPDATE! Given the current landscape with rising COVID numbers and transmission among people who have been fully vaccinated, the Gibbes Museum is requiring face coverings for anyone employed by the museum and for guests of in-person programs like concerts and lectures while inside the building.
Art of Jazz: Geoffrey Dean Trio is the final performance in the 2021 Art of Jazz Series. The Art of Jazz Series is a three-concert series featuring original music created by Charleston’s talented jazz artists as inspired by works currently on view at the Gibbes Museum of Art.

ART OF JAZZ SERIES: Geoffrey Dean Trio
Geoffrey Dean is a pianist, composer, and electronic music artist originating out of Washington D.C. He began playing classical piano at age 5 before fully pursuing jazz and began jazz studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins, and then the Berklee College of Music. Afterwards, he then moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to study with his mentor and former ‘Jazz Messenger’ Donald Brown while pursuing a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance. Geoffrey received a Doctorate in Music from the University Of Illinois and now works as a performer as well as teacher in the Charleston, South Carolina region.
Geoffrey Dean – Piano
David Levray – Bass
Ron Wiltrout – Drums
August 25, 2021 | 6:00PM
$30 Gibbes Museum Members | $40 Non-Members
*3% credit card fee will apply
Fully vaccinated guests may enter without a mask.
The Art of Jazz Series is presented in partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art. Art of Jazz is sponsored in part by Monster Music and Movies.
Check out past Art of Jazz performances HERE

CJO at Kiawah: Ellington at Newport
2021-08-15 19:30 - 21:00 | West Beach Conference Center, 2 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island, SC, 29455, United States
***The most current CDC guidelines recommend that everyone wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Charleston County is currently in the Substantial level of transmission rates.***

CJO at Kiawah: Ellington at Newport
By the mid-1950s, Big Bands were in a changed world as Bebop took center stage. Even the Duke Ellington Orchestra found itself struggling until the historic gig at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival. With an electrifying performance, Duke Ellington and his orchestra transformed the crowd at Freedom Park. This performance revitalized Duke Ellington’s career. For CJO at Kiawah: Ellington at Newport, the CJO will recreate that notable night in jazz history. Festival producer George Wein proclaimed this performance as “the greatest performance of Ellington’s career” and one that “stood for everything jazz had been and could be.”
Grammy Award Winner Charlton Singleton will join your CJO at Kiawah on vocals for this evening’s performance.
Tickets: $25
Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 | 7:30PM
Location: West Beach Conference Center, 2 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
This performance is presented in partnership with the Town of Kiawah Arts & Cultural Events Council.

About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra:
Currently, under the direction of Robert Lewis, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra has been performing for audiences in the Lowcountry for over 12 years. Comprised of 18 accomplished jazz musicians, the CJO is an entertaining and educational example of the rich history of jazz in Charleston. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra offers a six concert subscription series known for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-evolving Lowcountry arts scene.

Don’t forget to check out our From the Archives Series!

Watch the original performance of Ellington at Newport from CJO Season 12. Your Charleston Jazz Orchestra originally performed Ellington at Newport live on February 15, 2020 at the Charleston Music Hall. Subscribe to the Charleston Jazz YouTube channel HERE to watch videos from your Charleston Jazz Orchestra, the Charleston Jazz Festival and the Charleston Jazz Academy.
Check out the full list of performances HERE

SOLD OUT - ART OF JAZZ: Matt White + the Super Villain Jazz Band
2021-07-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
Art of Jazz: Matt White is part of a three-concert series featuring original music created by Charleston’s talented jazz artists as inspired by works currently on view at the Gibbes Museum of Art.
ART OF JAZZ: Matt White and the Super Villain Jazz Band
Trumpeter, Composer and Educator, Dr. Matthew White, is currently Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a 2019 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition. In addition to an active performing and teaching schedule, Matthew is involved in a number of music research topics, including the preservation and archiving of traditional Gullah spirituals. He manages the Wheelwright Recording Studio and is a full time member of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra.
Matt White – Trumpet
Tim Fischer – Guitar
Brett Belanger – Bass
Ron Wiltrout – Drums
July 21, 2021 | 6:00PM
$30 Gibbes Museum Members | $40 Non-Members
*3% credit card fee will apply
Fully vaccinated guests may enter without a mask.
The Art of Jazz Series is presented in partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art. Art of Jazz is sponsored in part by Monster Music and Movies.
Check out past Art of Jazz performances HERE

Jazz Combo Summer Camp
2021-07-16 09:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-15 09:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-14 09:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-13 09:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Charleston Jazz Academy, 3005 West Montague Avenue, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC, 29418, United States
Learn the basics of jazz improvisation while playing with fellow jazz students!
The camp is led by Charleston Jazz Orchestra member Gavin Smith and other professional jazz musicians from the community.
Who:
Musicians entering grades 7 +, who can read music, and who want to advance their playing and improvisational skills are welcome to register. The standard jazz combo consists of piano, bass, guitar, drums and one or two “horns” (sax, trumpet, trombone, etc.) but there are no restrictions on what instruments may participate. Workshop participants can play saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, flute, vibes, guitar, bass, piano, voice, and drums. One can improvise jazz on any instrument. We are always looking for pianists, bassists and drummers, since those instruments are always in demand in combos!
What:
A 5-day workshop where students learn improvisational skills by playing in a jazz combo with similarly skilled peers. The workshop consists of 5 two-hour combo sessions, basic jazz theory classes and one evening concert. Additionally, each student receives one additional 45-minute private or small-group (sectional) instructional session focused on her/his instrument.
When:
July 12-16, 2021 | 9am-3pm
Cost:
$200
10% discount for current Charleston Jazz Academy students
$100 due upon registration. Balance due July 1.
Limited scholarships are available.

Where:
Charleston Jazz Academy
3005 West Montague Avenue, Suite 200
North Charleston, SC 29418
Students will register for a combo session at their current ability level.
Beginner Level
Our combos for beginners are best for players who…

Know all the notes on their instrument
Are new to improvising or have a bit of experience playing in school band or a workshop like this
Have some or no training in jazz music theory
Are just beginning to learn about how to improvise over a song
Pianists and guitarists should know their notes and be familiar with some chords
Drummers should be able to keep steady time and have some experience playing a drum set
Vocalists should be able to sing an octave range, sing on pitch and to read notes

Intermediate Level
Our combos for intermediate players are best for anyone who…

Has played in school jazz bands
Can improvise over the blues with the blues scale
Is working on “playing the changes”—hitting chord tones and using the correct scale for each chord while improvising
Has developed at least a beginning understanding of jazz music theory and chord progressions like the ii-V-I

Advanced Level
Advanced players…

Have multiple years of experience improvising (have taken multiple solos) over tunes in jazz band or while playing in jazz combos
Are comfortable improvising over ii-V-I’s and other chord progressions in multiple keys
Can play swing, Latin, and jazz waltz tunes with a good sense of time and feel

*Note: if a specific combo level does not fill, we will place a student in his/her next closest level.
Sectional or Individual Session
Date and Time to be scheduled with combo instructor after the workshop begins.
Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged to perform at the Combo Workshop Concert on Friday, July 16

COVID Information:
We will observe all Covid protocols in place at the time of the camp including mask wearing and social distancing.

Virtual Jazz Vespers - Circular Congregational Church
2021-07-11 18:00 - 19:00 | SC
This Sunday, July 11 at 6 PM the Circular Congregational Church will be live-streaming a Jazz vespers service. Bill Carson on guitar will be the featured musician. He will be accompanied by Jeremy Wolf on bass. The Rev. Tyler Ung is the liturgist. The service will be live at 6 PM on the church’s YouTube link.
Go to: https://www.youtube.com/c/circularcongregationalchurch
and then simply select the Jazz Vespers upload. The service will be available after that time for your viewing and listening pleasure.

SOLD OUT - ART OF JAZZ: Peter Kfoury + Sully Martinez (wait list available)
2021-06-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
***This event is currently SOLD OUT. We may increase capacity leading up to the performance. If you are interested in being contacted should tickets become available please register for the waitlist below.***

The Art of Jazz Series is a three-concert series featuring original music created by Charleston’s talented jazz artists as inspired by works currently on view at the Gibbes Museum of Art.
ART OF JAZZ: Peter Kfoury + Sully Martinez
Peter Kfoury is a Lebanese-American who grew up listening to Middle Eastern music. While in his teens he started playing the oud, the direct ancestry of the lute and the principal instrument in all countries and cultures of the Middle East. Over time, he has played not only traditional Arabic music, but has used all American melting pot influences to develop a unique style that fuses Middle Eastern music with jazz, pop, and funk. He presents a varied program with beautiful songs, original material and classics in a melodic and percussive style. He has two albums available, At The Heart of Two Worlds (2015) and Breaking All The Rules (2020) on these streaming services: Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music and CDBaby.com.
Peter Kfoury – Oud
Sully Martinez – Percussion
June 23, 2021 | 6:00PM
$30 Gibbes Museum Members | $40 Non-Members
*3% credit card fee will apply
Fully vaccinated guests may enter without a mask.
The Art of Jazz Series is presented in partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art. Art of Jazz is sponsored in part by Monster Music and Movies
Check out past Art of Jazz performances HERE

Virtual Jazz Vespers: The In-Between
2021-06-13 18:00 - 19:00 | SC
Circular Congregational Church
Join us this Sunday, June 13 at 6 PM for Jazz Vespers. This will be a summer treat. The In-Between will be our musical group. This trio of Robert Lewis (woodwind), Jill Terhaar Lewis (vocals) and Gerald Gregory (piano) produces music that will delight and surprise. Peggy Pearl is the liturgist. The service will be posted at 6 PM on the church’s YouTube link.
Go to: https://www.youtube.com/c/circularcongregationalchurch and then simply select the Jazz Vespers upload. The service will be available after that time for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Lee Barbour's Polyverse (featuring Adam Dotson and Bob Lanzetti)
2021-05-25 19:30 - 22:30 | Tobin’s Market, 197 Jackson St., Charleston, SC, 29403, United States
Polyverse is a modular musical project led by Charleston guitarist/producer, Lee Barbour. The core band is a modern organ trio, utilizing the power of the organ, augmented with synths, electric guitar, fx and drums. They play original instrumental jazz and inventive arrangements of popular tunes.
For this performance, they will be joined by NYC trombonist, Adam Dotson and Snarky Puppy guitarist, Bob Lanzetti.

Symphonic Swing - Jazz Meets the Classics (CMH)
2021-05-22 16:00 - 17:30, 2021-05-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
Although Jazz and Classical music are different in many ways, the border between the two genres is a fluid one. With Symphonic Swing, your CJO will bring the world of improvisation and swing to notable Classical compositions. Local arrangers will bridge the gaps, bend the genres, and introduce the styles of Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Billie Holiday to Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to name a few! For two performances at the Charleston Music Hall (CMH), Jazz meets the Classics!
“Some of our favorite concerts highlight the writing/arranging talents of our local jazz community. In Symphonic Swing, we’ll be presenting a full slate of brand-new charts based on popular melodies from the classical tradition. I can’t wait to hear what everyone comes up with!”
-Robert Lewis, CJO Music Director
TWO SETS: 5PM + 8PM
Senior (65+) | Military Rates Available
***Your Live at the CMH ticket includes access to the Virtual Performance
For $10 Student Tickets, please call the box office at 843.641.0011. Children 6 and under are FREE.

The Charleston Music Hall is at reduced capacity of 280 with socially distanced seating. Masks are required indoors when walking around. Masks are not required when seated. Charleston Jazz will continue to follow the mask requirements of the performance venue. Thank you for your continued patience.
View COVID protocols HERE

This concert will also be performed at Firefly Distillery (View HERE) and will be available as a virtual performance (View HERE).
