ColaJazz Foundation awarded grant to “Invigorate Cayce” through pop-up jazz concert series and community cleanup

The ColaJazz Foundation has secured funding to launch its Invigorate Cayce Project, a community-driven initiative to transform three underutilized sites along the Congaree River into vibrant pop-up jazz venues.

With funding from the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Connected Communities Grant, ColaJazz will host one free holiday-season concert in December 2025 and two additional outdoor performances in February 2026, melding cleanup efforts, minor site rehabilitation and world-class jazz to revitalize overlooked spaces and foster local pride.

“Cayce’s hidden gems deserve to shine,” says Mark Rapp, executive director of the ColaJazz Foundation. “By pairing volunteer-led cleanup with unforgettable performances, we’re putting jazz in the community, inspiring residents to reimagine their city’s potential and giving our artists more performance opportunities.”

Key Project Components:

• Site Activation – Art Lot (1908 State Street), Kelly Jones Park (2616 Riverland Drive), and Ms. Wright’s (2010 State Street) will undergo cleanup by local volunteers and modest contractor repairs to ensure safety and accessibility.
• Pop-Up Concerts – Free jazz performances featuring regional artists: December 2025; February 2026. Each event is designed for all ages and abilities and family-friendly programming.
• Community Engagement – Volunteers will lead site cleanups and community ambassadors will help with event logistics, building lasting civic connections.
• Economic Impact – Attracting an anticipated 100 attendees per concert, the project will draw new visitors to Cayce’s riverfront and build interest from developers and local businesses.

“Investing in creative placemaking is a powerful catalyst for urban renewal,” says Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce. “We’re thrilled to partner with ColaJazz to demonstrate how the arts can transform public spaces, strengthen community bonds and spur economic growth.”

About the ColaJazz Foundation

The ColaJazz Foundation (ColaJazz) is dedicated to growing, supporting and promoting jazz in the Midlands through events, education, recordings, resources and advocacy. A Governor Award-winning, community-minded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ColaJazz brings world-renowned jazz educators and performers face to face with students and the public, offering diverse and exciting experiences. For more information, visit https://colajazz.com/.