News

We are pleased to announce that local music legend George Kenny will be honored with the 2024 Tip of the Hat Award at this year’s Charleston Jazz Gala. The prestigious award, named after Charleston Jazz Co-Founder Jack McCray and his renowned collection of hats, will be presented at the American Theater on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Music was Ron’s path to appreciating a diversity of expressions within his Navy family and among his school friends. Then as an adult, Ron Wiltrout discovered music quietly and it became his discipline…

Charleston Jazz proudly announces the appointment of Demetrius Doctor as the new Director of the Charleston Jazz Academy. Doctor, a distinguished jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the renowned institution.

Grace McNally is a classically trained guitarist whose style is influenced by various styles and cultures. Audiences enjoy her jazzy, folk-infused repertoire with hints of Cuban, African and Brazilian melodies and rhythms.

Gino Castillo is a renowned Latin jazz musician and recording artist based in Charleston, SC. Born in Ecuador, and trained musically in Cuba, he brings authenticity and technicality to every performance.

The dance. The City. The song. “Charleston! Charleston!” Kick forward, walk back, kick back, walk forward. Swing your arms and twist your feet. Shuffle, shimmy, and shake. The Charleston is one of the greatest dance crazes in American history, if not the greatest in the world. In the 1920’s, it spread the globe like wildfire. And, it’s still being done today, now over 100 years old!

Stachia Simmons, known by her fans as Sta.La.V., began playing drums at the age of two. The daughter of musicians, she grew up playing music in church. Being one of the youngest musicians in her congregation, it has been said that being so small, it was a challenge for her not to slide right out of her chair when performing!

Local trumpeter Cameron Handel is a beloved member of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Marketing & Communications Director Lacy Miller had the opportunity to interview her in the Charleston Music Hall green room between performances. Cameron shared a deeply personal story of the day she suffered a traumatic injury that she thought might be the end of her musical career. Her resistance and persistence are an inspiration to us all. We hope you enjoy the video interview and transcript of her story below.

The Charleston Jazz Academy Advanced Combo will perform at the Spoleto Festival USA Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Noon — Free.

Join us for a musical celebration of the Lowcountry. As one of the great cradles of jazz, Lowcountry rhythms and traditions are an integral part of this musical art form.  The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will weave together rich history and treasured African and Gullah-Geechie culture and showcase locally inspired arrangements combined with the big band sound.