Charleston Jazz Orchestra
Charleston Jazz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to grow a local and global community for jazz through performance, education and outreach while celebrating and preserving Charleston’s rich history in jazz. 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. Visit www.charlestonjazz.com to learn more.
DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE BAND
Charleston Jazz is committed to using the power of music to inspire, unite, and lift each other up. To help us secure our future, please donate if you are able to: https://charlestonjazz.charityproud.org/Donate
About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra
Under the direction of Robert Lewis, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra has been performing for audiences in the Lowcountry for over 11 years. The CJO 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.
Ellington at Newport
Originally performed live on February 15, 2020 at the Charleston Music Hall
By the mid-1950s, Big Bands found themselves in a changed world as Bebop took center stage. Even the Duke Ellington Orchestra, who had creatively dominated the jazz scene from the late 1920s – 1940s, found itself struggling until the historic gig at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival. With an electrifying performance, the crowd at Freedom Park was transformed and Ellington’s career was revitalized. Sixty-four years later, your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will recreate that notable night in jazz history, one that festival producer George Wein proclaimed as “the greatest performance of Ellington’s career” and one that “stood for everything jazz had been and could be.”
Featuring Special Guest Vocalist – Robbie Madison
