Festival
The Charleston Jazz Festival is a special time of year when jazz fans throughout the Southeast flock to Charleston to celebrate the Holy City’s rich jazz heritage and thriving jazz scene. 2018 marks our 4th year with an exciting 4-day program bringing over 100 local, regional and nationally recognized jazz musicians together to share their talent and love of jazz.
January 18 – 21, 2018
The 4th Annual Charleston Jazz Festival will take over downtown Charleston with performances by many of the world’s best known jazz musicians. From legends of jazz to emerging artists, to Charleston’s most celebrated home-grown talent, artists of the Charleston Jazz Festival perform a wide range of styles including Swing, Salsa, Blues, Brazilian, the American Songbook and more.
This year’s Festival will happen at a variety of venues throughout Charleston … from fine restaurants and clubs to the city’s finest performance venues. More than 2,500 attendees will join together to celebrate America’s quintessential art form at the 4th Annual Charleston Jazz Festival.
View and download our festival lineup poster!
January 18, 2018
Nnenna Freelon with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra
Charleston Music Hall
37 John Street
Charleston, SC 29403
7:30-9:00 pm
New Fresh Jazz Quartet
Prohibition
547 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
9:30pm – 11:00pm
Free admission
January 19, 2018
Disney Meets Jazz
Lovett/Belanger/Ray Trio
Renaissance Historic District Hotel
68 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
5:30-6:30pm
Gullah Contemporary Jazz
Demetrius Doctor Trio Featuring Mark Sterbank
Renaissance Historic District Hotel
68 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
7:00-8:00pm
Celebrating Sinatra
Joe Clarke Big Band
Renaissance Historic District Hotel
68 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
8:30-9:30pm
Oscar Rivers Trio with Mr. “Blues” Williams
Barsa Tapas Lounge and Bar
630 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
9:30-10:30pm
Free admission
Jazz Concert and Late Night Jazz Jam
All musicians, vocalists, and jazz lovers welcome!
Barsa Tapas Lounge and Bar
630 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
10:00pm-Midnight
Free admission
January 20, 2018
Kenny G
Gaillard Center
92 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
8:00-9:30pm
January 21, 2018
Family Day of Jazz
Ken Foberg Quartet with Alva Anderson
Charleston All Star Youth Jazz Orchestra
Charleston School of the Arts (SOA) Jazz Band
College of Charleston Sottile Theater
44 George Street
Charleston, SC 29401
3:00-5:30pm
Free Admission for Children and Students/$5 for Adults
A general admission ticket is required.
Video Gallery & Testimonials
2017
Testimonials from recent Festivals!
2017
“We have been to each of the Charleston Jazz festivals and have not been disappointed with any performance. Having been born and raised in New Orleans, and practically weened on jazz, I am so delighted to have that same kind of mojo working here in Charleston.”
“The CJO was fantastic! Loved Charlton and the whole orchestra who were totally engaged. Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 were outstanding. What a great evening!”
‘The festival does a great job of working to ‘keep jazz alive’ and also the tie-in to educational opportunities for youth is a good one. Bravo!
“The music was outstanding – both the instrumentals and vocals. World class talent in great venue and reasonable prices.”
“Performance was outstanding. Charlton Singleton was great when talking about the history of jazz in Charleston.”
2016
“The Saturday night program was THE BEST JAZZ we’ve heard since the 50s and 60s! Brava AND Bravo!”
“Great musical offerings, fun atmosphere, reasonable prices. Plus, it’s live jazz!”
“Incredible opportunity to see and hear jazz icons. Diane Schuur and Arturo Sandoval were great!”
“It shows people the importance of Charleston in the world of Jazz with so many great performers located here!”
“I have been a long time fan of Diane Schuur and became a fan of Arturo Sandoval. Fabulous performance by all. The venue was terrific and the price was right!!”