An internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist with more than three decades of performance, recording and music-education experience, Williams brings a rare combination of sophistication, sensuality and emotional truth to the stage. Her voice moves effortlessly from the elegance of traditional jazz to the warmth of soul and contemporary grooves, and her career has taken her from […]
In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro with Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music's Henry Mancini Institute […]
Miami vocalist, songwriter, vocal teacher, arranger and producer Leesa Richards celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Sunshine Jazz Organization. Bringing her voice to the Historic Lyric Theater stage for one night only, she'll give tribute to the legendary women of jazz featuring the new canon chamber collective. Not only is this talented women the above, […]
In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro. Performers: Eliane Elias: Piano Anat Cohen: Clarinet Trio da Paz: Ensemble Shelly […]
Haitian-American trumpeter and composer Jean Caze has emerged as one of the most beautiful voices in modern jazz. Renowned for blending his Haitian heritage with American jazz, Caze crafts an Afro-Caribbean instrumental sound reminiscent of icons such as Hugh Masekela, Fela Kuti and Caribbean Jazz Project. A captivating performer, Caze has shared the stage with […]
Musicians from the Atlanta Jazz Community come together to celebrate the life and music of the late, great hometown Jazz Legend ~ Audrey Shakir. She gave so much to the city and set a standard for jazz vocalists to follow. Holding down the rhythm section are drummer Justin Varnes, pianist Louis Heriveaux, bassist Kevin Simth, […]
Listeners can expect to hear a lot of the “right notes” as two of the true legends of low-end meet for these momentous evenings over four nights. Between them, 2022 NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke and 1998 NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter have defined and redefined the bass’s role in modern jazz, from the hard bop […]
, Wherever Tomi Berry sings, she spreads joy. Whether singing swinging jazzsmooth R&B, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention. A spiritual song-stylist, she engages her listeners in musical conversation. An accomplished, classically trained singer, Tomi has performed most of her life in multiple music genres, starting formally in gospel and spiritual […]
There are few artists in the world who can do what Kamasi Washington does in a room this size. Up close, with Ami Taf Ra beside him, his towering saxophone meets her Moroccan gnawa, Arabic vocals, and gospel-soaked spiritual jazz, and you feel every note. Some collaborations feel inevitable in hindsight. Ami Taf Ra and […]
Charles Lloyd, is an NEA Jazz Master and recipient of the prestigious French honor, l'Ordre Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. Voted DownBeat magazine’s Artist of the Year in 1967, Charles Lloyd was again voted Artist of the Year in 2023. And in 2024 he was honored with a rare DownBeat Critic’s Poll quadruple crown; […]
The Jazz Heritage Orchestra performs a musical tribute to Ohio’s quiet musical genius, composer, arranger, bandleader, saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Frank Foster. Perhaps best known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra, Foster also wrote and arranged music for Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, and Dizzy Gillespie, and he performed with jazz greats, including […]
Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah is a two-time Edison Award-winning, Doris Duke Award in the Arts-winning, six-time Grammy-nominated, sonic architect, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and designer of innovative technologies and musical instruments. (including the Adjuah Trumpet and Chief Adjuah Bow). The NOCCA and Berklee College of Music graduate is the founder and CEO of Stretch Music, an […]
Nicole Henry’s voice is an emotional force, effortlessly blending jazz, soul, and pop influences with a timeless authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners. Miss Henry’s versatile and emotionally driven performances have captivated audiences in 20 countries. She has established herself among the jazz world's most acclaimed performers, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, […]
Vibraphonist Jason Marsalis knows a brilliant young musician when he hears one. Equally renowned as a drummer, the youngest brother in the illustrious New Orleans jazz clan has blazed a singular trail since co-founding the Caribbean jazz-steeped Los Hombres Calientes with Headhunters percussion legend Bill Summers. His sleek quartet plays with the dynamic control and […]
Grammy Award-winning drummer, producer, and musical visionary Terreon “Tank” Gully brings his powerhouse band Tanktified to Churchill Grounds for two extraordinary nights of music celebrating its official Grand Opening! Special guest is two-Time JazzTimes Critics Poll Winner, Six-Time DownBeat Critics Poll Winner, Four-Time Grammy-Nominated Vibraphonist: Stefon Harris!!!!! One of the most celebrated and innovative vibraphonists […]
Toni Byrd, known as The Velvet SongByrd, is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter celebrated for her elegant, soulful voice and cinematic stage presence. A Memphis native now based in Atlanta, she has performed worldwide and continues to captivate audiences through her acclaimed tribute production Toni Sings Natalie… A Tribute to Natalie Cole, blending […]
Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, and bandleader Tia Fuller heads up a spectacular cast of Lil John Roberts on drums, Louis Heriveaux on piano, Rod Harris Jr. on guitar, and Kelly McCarty on bass in an exciting Grand Opening week performance. When Tia Fullerpicks up her saxophone, something amazing happens. Blending technical brilliance, melodic […]
Sam Yi ~ A Legacy Built One Night at a Time Sam Yi died in February 2025. By then, the impact of what he had created extended across generations of Atlanta musicians. Sam had a remarkable ability to make musicians feel that Churchill Grounds belonged to them. He offered opportunities to young artists. He supported […]
The Joe Gransden Big Band and Special Guest, Russell Gunn join forces to fill Churchill Grounds with and unbelievable night of swing and swagger! Both artists bring a depth of connection to the original Churchill Grounds and offer a heartfelt performance that can only be fully felt from the audience. Joe Gransden is among the […]
Wycliffe Gordon & Freinds presents a show featuring jazz from each era, early jazz to modern and beyond.Wycliffe G on Trombone, Trumpet and Vocals, Nery Kim on Piano, Travis Shaw on Bass, Alvin Atkinson Jr. on Drums, and Ashley "AE the Cool" Elim on Vocals. Musical ambassador and interpreter of “America’s” music, Wycliffe Gordon is […]
Grammy award-winner David Sánchez is recognized around the world as one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. His mastery of the instrument is undeniable and his sound unmistakable. Combine that with Sánchez's deep-seated knowledge of both Jazz and Latin music, and the traditions that mold them, and the results are extraordinary. In a review, […]
The singer Lizz Wright — who owns one of the most spellbinding voices of her generation, regardless of genre —remembers the first time she heard her dear pianist Kenny Banks Sr. perform. It was at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, where Banks was onstage with the vocalist Audrey Shakir, a regional legend. Wright was a freshman […]
Lizz Wright, who owns one of the most spellbinding voices of her generation, regardless of genre is joined by her dear pianist Kenny Banks Sr. on their brand new album, Nearness. The album, produced by longtime musical director and esteemed guitarist Chris Bruce, features just Wright and Banks, on piano and organ, traversing the romance of […]
Jazz vocalist Nicole Henry returns from touring to Miami for her 13th Annual Winter Concert ~ "Gifted". Award-winning, internationally acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry, who has called Miami home since attending the University of Miami, has set Dec. 16th at the newly renovated Miami Beach Bandshell for her annual winter concert. Celebrating 13 years of benefitting non-profits […]