PRESENTS
Featuring
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis
APRIL 18-23
LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Wynton Marsalis
Photo by Frank Stewart
The managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marsalis is also a world-renowned trumpeter and composer. He will act as music director for some of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s performances at Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016.
ON THE COVER: First row from left, photos by Phillip Hoffman and FrankStewart; and second down by Lawrence Sumulong.
The Leon Levine Foundation is proud to present Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016.
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Meet the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Photos by Joe Martinez
Wynton Marsalis
Walter Blanding
Chris Crenshaw
Vincent Gardner
Victor Goines
Carlos Henriquez
Sherman Irby
Ali Jackson
Ryan Kisor
Elliot Mason
Ted Nash
Paul Nedzela
Dan Nimmer
Marcus Printup
Kenny Rampton
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Joe Temperley
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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Collaborative Festival to Celebrate the Expressive, Living Art Form of Jazz Arts and Science Council President Scott Provancher for hen Tom Gabbard and planting that seed Lonnie Davis – two of the several years ago architects of Charlotte when they advocated Jazz Festival 2016 – for Charlotte to host describe their inspiration a jazz festival. They behind the multiday event, it sounds a had been inspired by lot like the music they’re celebrating Foxx’s longtime friend, Gabbard where collaboration, connection with the famed trumpeter audience and innovation are at the heart Wynton Marsalis, who of it all. proposed creating a new type of event Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016 will pay that brought the focus back on the artists tribute to one of and authentic jazz America’s greatest music. native art forms, “There’s no question providing a stage that Wynton has been for some of the providing an artistic finest musicians vision for this festival,” on a national and says Gabbard. But regional scale. It will Marsalis also made also create unique it clear from the opportunities for beginning that they the community to needed a local expert Jazz Arts Initiative President, CEO connect as never to create the inclusive before in Charlotte. festival that he and A world-class other city leaders festival like this takes envisioned. careful planning, cooperation and an Gabbard says they found the perfect extraordinary vision. Gabbard, president person for that mission in Davis, of Blumenthal Performing Arts, credits president and CEO of the 6-year-old former Mayor Anthony Foxx and former Jazz Arts Initiative. Her organization
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand Communications Specialist
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“Jazz is a reflection of life. The music evolves. It’s a living art form.” Lonnie Davis
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Charlotte Jazz Festival In a Nutshell
• Pop-up clubs • After hours jazz • Lunchtime jazz concerts • School visits by Jazz at Lincoln Center artists • Second line parade • The Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition • Late night jam sessions • And more
has created a thriving home for jazz enthusiasts in Charlotte – providing regular programming, music instruction and outreach. To give an idea of the scale of their efforts, this year JAI’s Jazz in Schools Davis program will serve over 20,000 kids in area public schools. JAI has worked diligently to cultivate a base of jazz fans and provide affordable, welcoming opportunities for those who want to learn more about the art form Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Each of the partner institutions at the Levine Center for the Arts will host events in their halls or outdoor spaces: • Knight Theater • Mint Museum Uptown • Bechtler Museum • Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture.
in Charlotte. One of the most popular events has been The Jazz Room, a monthly series of performances that take place at Blumenthal’s Stage Door Theater. “Jazz is a reflection of life,” says Davis, highlighting the importance of spontaneity, careful listening, and call and response among musicians. It’s a continual expression of what is happening politically and socially. “The music evolves. It’s a living art form.” In this spirit, the festival has been designed for the community to experience and participate in jazz in multiple ways. Celebrate Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016! Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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WYNTON MARSALIS Ambassador of Jazz
Photo by Elizabeth Leitzell
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ynton Marsalis, artistic and managing director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, has a long history with Charlotte audiences. “This is one of the great communities to come into,” said Marsalis during a 2013 interview on WFAE’s CharlotteTalks with Mike Collins. At that time, Marsalis was here on a tour stop with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a 70-person gospel choir to perform his commissioned piece “Abyssinian Mass,” but the conversation also turned to his vision of having a largescale jazz festival in Charlotte. Now, nearly three years later and building off the success of a one-day festival in fall 2014, Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016 is finally making that dream of a multiday celebration of local and national jazz talent a reality in the Queen City. Connecting with the audience through music and education have been hallmarks of Marsalis’ career. He grew up in New Orleans, part of a super-talented family of musicians. His father and three of his brothers are also professional jazz artists, and a maternal great-great uncle even played bass for Duke Ellington’s early orchestra. (Note: The music of Duke Ellington will be featured Saturday night during this year’s festival.) Marsalis has great respect for his father whom, as a child, he often watched play club gigs. He was a working musician but Marsalis says it was often a struggle to make ends meet. “One thing we did understand from the
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
way we grew up was the reality of working and of playing this music,” said Marsalis in the WFAE interview. “We didn’t have a kind of Alice in Wonderland concept at all.” He credits his father with teaching him the value of integrity. He says his father would play the highest caliber of music, and not change it just to gain popularity with audiences. Wynton Marsalis has received numerous awards and recognition for his work as a performer, composer and producer. He holds 29 honorary doctorates and nine Grammy Awards (spanning jazz and classical music), and he was the first jazz artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for music composition. He co-founded Jazz at Lincoln Center – a permanent institution in New York City dedicated to jazz performance, education and advocacy on a global scale. “There’s nobody who really does what they do at their scale,” says Tom Gabbard, Blumenthal’s president and CEO. “They truly are one of a kind.” That advocacy and dedication to educating new audiences will also be an important part of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s residency in Charlotte in April. Marsalis and other musicians will visit local schools in order to bring the art of jazz to the Queen City’s youngest citizens. “Wynton’s only instructions were: ‘I want to go to the school with the greatest need,’” says Gabbard. “This just symbolizes the heart of this man, that he wants to make a difference in that way.” Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
t Night Charlotte Jazz Festivd thaleFiCors ngregation
Featuring Sammy Miller an lis with Special Guest Wynton Marsa nt Museum Uptown Thursday, April 21 • 7:30 p.m. • Mi
K
ick off the second annual Charlotte Jazz Festival on a truly righteous note with Sammy Miller and the Congregation. Special guest Wynton Marsalis will join the band for some selections. Your ticket delivers an evening of what the group calls “joyful jazz” plus a delicious hors d’oeuvres buffet (cash bar) and a chance to meet and mingle with others who share your jazz passion. The stars of the night, Sammy Miller and the Congregation, are on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring the art back to the people. They aim to entertain, but most of all to uplift their audiences. A native of Los Angeles and a Juilliard graduate, Miller is known for his relentless focus on making music that feels good and for sharing the power of
community through music. Miller and the Congregation, as well as individual band members, have performed and recorded with many notable artists including O.A.R., Joshua Redman, Lee Fields, Jason Moran and Wynton Marsalis, who will be joining them for this special concert in Charlotte. The Mint Museum Uptown makes the list of some of America’s most celebrated venues that have hosted the band’s performances, including Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl and the White House. Don’t miss your chance to experience the joy in person! $50 (table seating plus hors d’oeuvres) $34.50 (theater seating) $12.50 (In the Mix – stool seating in various locations) All price levels include access to cash bar
Sammy Miller and the Congregation
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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CHARLOTTE JAZZ FESTIVAL SCH Main Stage Performances Jazz in the Key of Life: Music of the ‘60s and ‘70s Friday, April 22 • 7:30 p.m. Knight Theater The world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Music of Duke Ellington and George Gershwin Saturday, April 23 • 7:30 p.m. Knight Theater The world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Free Fun on the Plaza Drop by the Jazz Pavilion on the Levine Center for the Arts Plaza for fun, food and fantastic FREE jazz. Great local artists and special guests onstage. Second Line Parade. Food trucks! Visit CharlotteJazzFestival.com for complete schedule closer to the event.
Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. Enjoy live jazz music all week at lunchtime. Friday, April 22 • 4 to 6:30 p.m. TGIF! Wind down the work week with some afternoon jazz. Saturday, April 23 • noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy a variety of jazz ensembles all afternoon. Jazz Clubs – Intimate Shows With Food and Fun Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night Thursday, April 21 • 7:30 p.m. Mint Museum Uptown – Robert Haywood Morrison Atrium Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while listening to the joyful sounds of Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis. Friday Night Jazz Bakery Friday, April 22 • 9:30 p.m. Gantt Museum Grand Room Live jazz from Riley Mulherkar and Patrick Bartley with the Sammy Miller Quintet served up with dessert and a cash bar.
Photo by Patrick Schneider Photography
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
VAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Creole Jazz Brunch Saturday, April 23 • 11 a.m. Wells Fargo Atrium Enjoy a brunch buffet and cash bar while listening to the Ocie Davis Quartet with a special guest artist from Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Saturday Evening Hot Platter Saturday, April 23 • 5:30 p.m. Bechtler Museum Lobby Enjoy live jazz along with a buffet dinner and cash bar at this special event. Saturday Night Jazz Bakery Saturday, April 23 • 9:30 p.m. Bechtler Museum Lobby Some of the best regional talent performs alongside dessert and a cash bar. Late Night Jams Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. SoCo Bar at Westin Hotel For night owls, enjoy these free late shows with guest appearances by members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
More Fun for Families and Kids Junior Jazz Club Saturday, April 23 • 11 a.m. Stage Door Theater An hourlong interactive show featuring members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, especially designed for kids. Snack pack and punch included. The Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition Saturday, April 23 • 2 p.m. Stage Door Theater Regional talent competes for prizes in this special event adjudicated by members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Schedule subject to change. Visit CharlotteJazzFestival.com for complete details.
704.372.1000 CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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‘60s and ‘70s e th of ic us M : fe Li of ey K e th in Jazz rsalis Center Orchestra with Wynton Ma Featuring Jazz at Lincoln t Theater Friday, April 22 • 7:30 p.m. • Knigh
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iscover a fresh jazz take on the iconic songs of the ’60s and ’70s! Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, led by music director and trombonist Vincent Gardner, will take you down memory lane with new jazz arrangements of some R&B and pop classics. A member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 2000, Gardner has also toured and/or recorded with The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan and A Tribe Called Quest. He is also a talented vocalist. Tickets start at $20
Photo by Frank Stewart
MATCHING GAME
Here are a few songs and artists that could be featured in Jazz in the Key of Life: Music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. See if you can match the songs to the artists who made them famous. 1.
Dionne Warwick
a.
“All in Love Is Fair”
2.
Elton John
b.
“White Room”
3.
The Beatles
c.
“Your Song”
4.
Stevie Wonder
d.
“Sugar Lee”
5.
Donny Hathaway
e.
“I Say a Little Prayer”
f.
“Eleanor Rigby”
6. Cream
ANSWERS: 1-e, 2-c, 3-f, 4-a, 5-d, 6-b 10
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Music of the Masters: e Gershwin Duke Ellington and Gcheoesrg tra with Wynton Marsalis
Or Featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center ight Theater Saturday, April 23 • 7:30 p.m. • Kn
T
ake a musical journey from Harlem’s famous Cotton Club to the bright lights of Broadway in this incredible evening devoted to two American musical giants – Duke Ellington, with his complex yet accessible jazz that makes the heart swing, and George Gershwin, one of the most inventive and iconic American songwriters of all time. Join us as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by music director Wynton Marsalis, presents an evening celebrating their extraordinary repertoire. Here are some facts about these musical legends: Duke Ellington • Nicknamed “Duke” for being a gentleman. • An originator of big-band jazz. • Composed thousands of scores in his 50-year career.
• Won 12 Grammys. • Popular songs include “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Solitude” and “Satin Doll.” George Gershwin • Wrote thousands of compositions that span the sweep of American music. • From the time he teamed up with his brother, Ira, in 1924, until his death in 1937, the brothers wrote almost exclusively together. • The duo wrote over two dozen scores for stage and screen. • Popular songs include “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Strike Up the Band,” “Embraceable You,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Tickets start at $20
Photo by Frank Stewart
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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Creole Jazz Brunchet
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Featuring the Ocie Davis Quart Fargo Plaza Saturday, April 23 • 11 a.m. • Wells
lose your eyes and be transported to the French Quarter at this Saturday morning feast for the senses. Between the sounds of the extraordinary Ocie Davis Quartet with a special guest vocalist and a delectable New Orleans style brunch, the
sensory magic of New Orleans will be conjured up right here in Charlotte. Davis, a drummer, is an accomplished musician, educator and composer. He has also had the distinction of being recognized as a Jazz All-Star by New Orleans Magazine. The Ocie Davis Trio was chosen as “Best Jazz Group” in Charlotte by Charlotte Magazine’s “Best of the Best” 2011. Davis has traveled around the world performing at festivals and venues with some of the most influential figures in jazz. Davis currently serves as the artistic director of Jazz Arts Initiative. $50 (table seating with brunch) Cash bar available
Platter Saturday Evening HisotQuart et
Featuring the John Ell by tchler Museum of Modern Art lob Be • . p.m 0 5:3 • 23 ril Ap , ay rd tu Sa
S
avor the music of the John Ellis Quartet and dine on a mouthwatering buffet at this premier dinner and a show. Ellis is widely recognized as one of jazz music’s leading tenor
saxophone voices. He has performed extensively around the world for the last 20 years and has more than 100 album credits with artists as wide ranging as Charlie Hunter, Robert Glasper, Darcy James Argue, Edward Simon and Sting.
$50 (table seating with dinner) Cash bar available
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
rts A e th r fo r te en C e n vi Le at on ili Jazz Pav
F
ril 23 Friday, April 22, and Saturday, Ap
rom lunchtime interludes to after work social hours, stop by the Jazz Pavilion on the Levine Center for the Arts plaza and find your jazz! It’s FREE! The Pavilion stage will feature some of Charlotte’s best jazz artists plus some special guests. It’s also the kickoff location for the second line parade. No ticket! No reservation! No planning! Just bring your friends and discover some of Charlotte’s best musical treasures and how much fun can be had at the Charlotte Jazz Festival.
See Page 8 for show times
Photo by Phillip Hoffman
After Hours Jazz Friday Night Jazz Bakery Friday, April 22 • 9:30 p.m. Grand Room of Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture
Saturday Night Jazz Bakery Saturday, April 23 • 9:30 p.m. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art lobby
Join other Charlotte jazz fans for music and dessert with a magnificent view of the city skyline. Riley Mulherkar and Patrick Bartley with the Sammy Miller Quintet will play “Dizzy & Bird” while you enjoy decadent desserts. Space is limited for this intimate show!
The Brian Miller Quintet will keep the music going while you enjoy a variety of desserts with other jazz buffs at the beautiful Miller Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Get your tickets now because seating is limited for this intimate show.
$35 (main-floor table seating with desserts) $19.50 (upstairs lounge area with desserts and railside view of show)
$35 (main-floor table seating with desserts)
All price levels include access to cash bar
All price levels include access to cash bar
Late Night Jams (FREE!) Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23 • 11 p.m. SoCo Bar at Westin Hotel Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
$27.50 (theater seating with desserts)
For night owls, enjoy these FREE late shows with guest appearances by members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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Junior Jazz Club
er Orchestra and Sammy Miller nt Ce ln co Lin at zz Ja of ers mb Featuring me e Door Theater at Saturday, April 23 • 11 a.m. • Stag er Blumenthal Performing Arts Cent
B
ring the kids and enjoy a jazz concert that will engage them and you. Members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform and chat with the audience about jazz at this hourlong casual
show. Featured artist Sammy Miller will also entertain. All kids receive a snack pack. Lock down a ticket now! Space is limited. $10 (general admission seating/snack included) Beverages available for purchase.
Photo by Phillip Hoffman
Jazz Competition Puts Students Center Stage
A
highlight of Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016 will be the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists Competition Saturday, April 23, at Stage Door Theater. Talented high school students from the Charlotte area will be center stage, competing for top honors, including thousands of dollars in prize money. The event is open to the public and free of charge for spectators. “We created this competition to recognize and encourage young musicians,” says Lonnie Davis, director and CEO of Jazz Arts Initiative. “This year is a unique opportunity (for students) to meet and work with members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, who will serve as adjudicators.” High School students will compete for 14
Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
trophies and cash prizes in the following amounts: first place, $1,500; second place, $1,000; and third place, $500. The festival is named in memory of legendary jazz pianist and composer Loonis McGlohon, a native North Carolinian. During his storied career, he toured extensively, accompanied legendary singers like Judy Garland, wrote tunes popularized by Frank Sinatra among others, and hosted a regular program on National Public Radio. Davis anticipates a high level of musicianship and great performances from student competitors. “I would certainly encourage any young musician who has been studying jazz to give it a shot,” she says. Students must audition to participate in the competition. For details, go to BlumenthalArts.org/YoungJazz. Application deadline is: April 8. Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
Enter for a Chance at Complete the crossword puzzle below and you could win a pair of tickets to one of the Charlotte Jazz Festival main stage shows. Hint: some of the answers can be found throughout this publication. Simply snap a photo of your completed crossword and, using subject line “Crossword Contest,” email it to marketing2@ncbpac.org with your name and contact information. Get all the answers right and you’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to either Jazz in the Key of Life: Music of the ‘60s and ‘70s or Music of the Masters: Duke Ellington and George Gershwin.
Across 2. _____ Ellington. 4. N.C. native and jazz pianist McGlohon. 6. Uptown Charlotte hotel hosting Late Night Jams. 9. Jazz hotspot: The ______ Club in Harlem. 12. Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night features Sammy Miller and the ______. 14. Jazz songstress Fitzgerald.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
FREETICKE TS You may also enter to win via mail by mailing the completed crossword to: Crossword Contest c/o Blumenthal Arts Marketing 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Entries must be received by April 15.
Down 1. The birthplace of jazz. 3. S.C. native and trumpeter Gillespie. 5. Seasonal song composed by George Gershwin. 7. A New Orleans-style jazz parade: ______ Line Parade. 8. “It Don’t Mean a Thing, if it Ain’t Got That ______.” 10. Wynton Marsalis’ instrument. 11. Type of singing commonly used in vocal jazz. 13. Colorful Gershwin composition: Rhapsody in ______. Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
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Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | CharlotteJazzFestival.com
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