Live Jazz + Firefly Cocktails + Lowcountry scenery
October 2, 2020
Limited number of tickets available for the CJO live performances at Firefly Distillery
CHARLESTON, SC – For the remaining 2020 Charleston Jazz Orchestra Season 12 performances, Charleston Jazz, REV Federal Credit Union and Firefly Distillery are excited to partner together to present the CJO LIVE AT FIREFLY SERIES. Located near Park Circle in North Charleston, Firefly Distillery features beautiful large grounds with plenty of space for our audience to enjoy the performance in a safe environment. For the safety of our CJO musicians, these performances will be performed by half the musicians in the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Food truck snacks, Firefly cocktails and other beverages will be available for sale. A limited number of tickets are available for the live performances. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.charlestonjazz.com or by calling the box office at 843.641.0011. Doors open at 5pm. Show begins at 6pm.
UP NEXT IN THE CJO LIVE AT FIREFLY SERIES:
SOUNDS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
OCTOBER 23, 2020 | 6PM
America’s greatest art form may have been born in New Orleans, but the Lowcountry was quite arguably one of the early incubators of jazz. One of the greatest influences on jazz history in the Holy City was the Jenkins Orphanage Band, producing jazz greats such as William “Cat” Anderson, Jabbo Smith and Freddie Green. Based on the rhythms of the Gullah/Geechee Culture, that Lowcountry Swing can be found in some of our favorite tunes – Until I Met You, Tuxedo Junction, and Porgy & Bess. From Ragtime to Broadway and everything in between, your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will explore the Sounds of the Lowcountry with music that is distinctly Charleston Jazz.
Since moving to the Lowcountry 20 years ago, I’ve enjoyed learning how much of the history of jazz is connected to this area. I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity to present a bit of an overview of some influential musicians and musical styles that have come out of the region! We’ll be presenting some material familiar to our long-time audiences, such as tunes by Count Basie and Duke Ellington (both of whom had important Charleston-born players in their bands), as well as some less familiar artists from the area such as blues singer Bertha “Chippie” Hill. We will feature some traditional Gullah music arranged for the ensemble, and of course have some selections from Porgy and Bess. I’m particularly happy to bring back vocalist Zandrina Dunning, she is a fantastic addition to our roster of regular guest artists!
– Robert Lewis, Music Director
As I study the old music of the Lowcountry, I’m reminded of my past as a little girl taking the short trip from Summerville to the country town of St. George, South Carolina. My family and I would gather for annual camp meetings under the old tents filled with old wooden church pews. We’d shout and praise on dirt floors. Wash boards, tambourines, hand claps, foot stomps, and voices would be our only instruments. I’m reminded of a sweeter, simpler life. As you hear this music performed, I hope it takes you back to a time when your life was simpler too.
– Zandrina Dunning, Vocals
ADDITIONAL CJO LIVE A FIREFLY SERIES PERFORMANCES:
– MI ALMA LATINA with Nestor Torres | November 20, 2020
– HOLIDAY SWING A Charleston Jazz Tradition | December 4, 2020
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.
About Charleston Jazz
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.
For more information, contact Brittany Burkett at [email protected].
