JazzArts Charlotte Kicks off 15th Anniversary during Jazz Appreciation Month
Season 20 of the JAZZ ROOM features the son of N.C. jazz legend John Coltrane

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 8, 2024) – JazzArts Charlotte – the only non-profit organization in Charlotte-Mecklenburg centered on providing jazz education and live jazz performances – kicks off its 15th anniversary with its signature concert series, the JAZZ ROOM, on Friday, April 19, 2024 with performances at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at the Stage Door Theatre (155 N. College St.) featuring the Harlem-based Emmet Cohen Trio. Tickets can be purchased at TheJazzArts.org or by calling 704-372-1000.

“For 15 years, JazzArts Charlotte has filled a gap in this community by connecting people of all ages to the art form of jazz,” said Lonnie Davis, JazzArts Charlotte’s president & CEO/co-founder. “I am grateful that residents of and visitors to this community continue to embrace jazz and support our work.”

“When I reflect on the growth of the organization, which started with a jazz stage at Festival in the Park and grew to encompass our monthly weekend concert series the JAZZ ROOM, youth education programs, workshops for local and regional musicians and more, I am proud of the journey that has led JazzArts Charlotte to become one of the top emerging organizations in the Charlotte region. We want to celebrate that and there’s no better way than during Jazz Appreciation Month in April.”

Season 20 of the JAZZ ROOM features dynamic and diverse artists from across the globe presenting modern, traditional and international jazz, including France native Cyrille Aimée, named “one of the most promising jazz singers of her generation” by The Wall Street Journal and Ravi Coltrane, a saxophonist, bandleader, composer and son of N.C. native and jazz legend, John Coltrane.

“I am excited about celebrating 15 years of JazzArts Charlotte and presenting a very special season of the JAZZ ROOM featuring the biggest names in jazz who are regarded around the world and have new works to share”, said Davis. “I know the experiences of JazzArts Charlotte add value not only to Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural landscape, but to the quality of life of participants.”

The JAZZ ROOM Season 20 featured artists include:

Emmet Cohen Trio
April 19, 6 and 9:15 p.m. | April 20, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is considered one of his generation’s pivotal artistic figures. Known for its range and uplifting dynamism, the trio represents Cohen’s “kaleidoscopic sense of musical narrative,” as noted in Downbeat magazine. Expect to be treated to a master class in stylistic juxtapositions, including the melding of stride, blues, church, swing, bebop, free and contemporary styles, resulting in the innovative sound of jazz’s future.

Cyrille Aimée
May 17, 6 and 9:15 p.m. | May 18, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Named a “RISING STAR IN THE GALAXY OF JAZZ SINGERS” by The New York Times, Grammy-nominated artist Cyrille Aimée makes her Charlotte debut performance. Aimée’s journey has ventured from singing on street corners in Europe to dazzling audiences at some of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. Aimée won the Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition and the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. She has also performed on Broadway and her 2019 album celebrated the legendary songwriter Stephen Sondheim.

Ravi Coltrane
June 14, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | June 15, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. In the course of a 20-plus-year career, he has worked as a sideman to many and recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others. Coltrane makes his Charlotte debut, performing his original compositions with his cutting-edge trio.

Joey Alexander
July 26, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | July 27, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Regarded as one of the most highly skilled pianists and thoughtful improvisers in jazz, Joey Alexander is a Bali, Indonesia-born piano prodigy, composer, and bandleader. While he sites cites inspirations from outside the jazz world, including John Mayer, Burt Bacharach, and, perhaps surprisingly, even Bonnie Raitt, Alexander and his trio will perform works from his newest album release, “Continuance,” showcasing his new identity as a composer-pianist of fertile imagination and emotional depth.

Herlin Riley
August 23, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | August 24, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Known as “The Groove Master” and born into a musical family steeped in gospel, blues and jazz, legendary New Orleans drummer, Herlin Riley and his group will provide grooves led by one of the world’s best drummers in any genre of music today.

The Pedrito Martinez Group
September 27, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | September 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Havana-born Latin Jazz superstar, percussionist Pedrito Martinez returns with his powerhouse ensemble and vibrant Afro-Cuban sounds, performing his captivating high-energy dance worthy grooves. This experience is in partnership with the Charlotte International Arts Festival, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

JazzArts Charlotte’s mission is to connect the cultural community and develop an audience for jazz through quality education, performance excellence, and musician support. The JAZZ ROOM is supported by Bank of America, South Arts, Knight Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Alice L Walton Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Infusion Fund.