SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 / 5PM AND 8PM / CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
CHARLESTON, SC – FEBRUARY 19, 2019 – The Charleston Jazz Orchestra (CJO) will kick
off Season 11 on February 23, 2019 by inviting a special guest vocalist Diane Schuur to sing
“SONGS OF LOVE: The Music of Cole Porter, Billie Holiday and more.”
This February 23 concert will also feature the debut performance of Robert Lewis as the new
Music Director and Band Leader of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Lewis has performed
as the lead saxophonist with the CJO since the launch of the orchestra in 2008 and is currently
the Director of Jazz Studies at the College of Charleston. The CJO will also welcome three
new band members: Kevin Patton (saxophone), John Cobb (saxophone), and Matthew White
(trumpet).
This special performance by Diane Schuur will feature many of the most romantic songs of the
‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s by Cole Porter, Billie Holiday, George Bizet and more. A sample of the
song list includes:
Besame Mucho – Consuelo Valazquez, Arr. by Reggie Watkins
Caught a Touch of Your Love – Jack Keller, Arr. by Richard Evans
Come Rain or Come Shine – Johnny Mercer, Arr. Billy May
Easy to Love – Cole Porter, Arr. by Billy May
Habanera from ‘Carmen’ – George Bizet, Arr. by Robert Lewis
Love for Sale – Cole Porter, Arr. by Billy May
Only You – Composer and Arranger, Bob Florence
Save Your Love for Me – Buddy Johnson, Arr. by Jon Phillips
Them There Eyes – Billie Holiday, Arr. by Mark Sterbank
What is This Thing Called Love? – Cole Porter, Arr. by Robert Lewis
Diane Schuur is a two-time Grammy Award winning vocalist who was mentored by Frank
Sinatra and Stan Getz. She is known for her pitch-perfect execution and crystalline, three-and-
a-half octave vocal range, as well as her warm, humorous interactions with the audience.
The 5pm and 8pm concerts will be LIVE STREAMED to retirement communities enrolled in the
Living Live Network. Over 500 seniors are expected to enjoy the CJO performing music from
the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
“We surveyed our audience last year and many people hoped to hear the music of Cole Porter
at an upcoming concert,” said Mary Beth Natarajan, Executive Director at Charleston Jazz.
“We thought Diane Schuur would be the ideal vocalist to help us celebrate the music of that
nostalgic era. She performed with the CJO at our 2016 Jazz Festival and she utterly and
completely charmed our Charleston jazz audience.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.charlestonjazz.com. Or call the box office at 843-641-0011.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $60. $10 for students and children.
About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra:
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra (CJO) is an 18-person big band led by Music Director, Robert
Lewis. The band is comprised of the crème de la crème of South Carolina jazz musicians and
is an entertaining, educational and stellar example of the rich history and legacy of jazz in
Charleston. The CJO is in its 11 th year offering a 6-concert subscription series and is known
for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-
evolving Lowcountry arts scene.
About Charleston Jazz:
Charleston Jazz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote musical awareness
and education including the recognition and preservation of the history of jazz in the
Lowcountry through performances, special events, and educational outreach. Established in
2008 as Jazz Artists of Charleston, the organization has earned a reputation for presenting,
producing, and advocating for all things jazz and the artists who bring this music to life in
dynamic ways. The organization manages the Charleston Jazz Orchestra,
the Charleston Jazz Festival, and the Charleston Jazz Academy.
For more information and to schedule an interview, media appearance, or for hi-resolution
images, contact Mary Beth Natarajan at [email protected].
