CJO saxophonist Robert Lewis named new Music Director of Charleston Jazz

Charleston Jazz announces that Charlton Singleton will be stepping down from his role as Music Director and Band Leader of the CJO to pursue his blossoming career as a performer and music educator. Mr. Singleton will continue with the CJO until the end of Season 10 with a final performance at the Holiday Swing concert on December 1, 2018.

Charlton Singleton will pass the baton to long-time CJO musician, saxophonist and educator Robert Lewis. Mr. Lewis is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at the College of Charleston. He is the saxophone section leader of the CJO and a member of the Charleston Jazz board of directors.

“While we’re sad to see Charlton depart, we’re absolutely thrilled to see his musical career skyrocketing and we deeply value his many contributions during the past ten years,” said Mary Beth Natarajan, Executive Director at Charleston Jazz. “We’re also very pleased to welcome Robert Lewis to the role of Music Director and look forward to the impact his leadership and expertise will have on our performances.”

Charlton Singleton has held the role of Music Director since the Charleston Jazz Orchestra was first launched in 2008. Since that time, he has become one of Charleston’s most beloved entertainers and is currently touring worldwide with Ranky Tanky, a band that has reached a #1 position on Billboard, Amazon and iTunes jazz charts.

Tickets for Season 10 CJO concerts are on sale now at www.charlestonjazz.com.  Tickets for Season 11 concerts go on sale to the general public on September 15, 2018.

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.