The Biscuit – April 26
Watch Out! JazzArts Charlotte’s New Season is Scorching Hot
Cyrille Aimée
“This is the first time that we have combined so many of the most popular names in jazz all in one season. Each of these artists are dynamically diverse, many of whom are making their Charlotte debut at the JAZZ ROOM, with lots of new music to share with our audiences.” – Lonnie Davis
JazzArts Charlotte has announced the lineup for its 20th season of its signature series, JAZZ ROOM. And, according to the organization’s president and CEO, Lonnie Davis, this season is scorching. In fact, she defines it as “6 Sizzling Hot Summer Season JAZZ ROOM shows.”
“This is the first time that we have combined so many of the most popular names in jazz all in one season,” said Davis. “Each of these artists are dynamically diverse, many of whom are making their Charlotte debut at the JAZZ ROOM, with lots of new music to share with our audiences.
Among the performers scheduled to take the stage for JazzArts are Cyrille Aimée, named “one of the most promising jazz singers of her generation” by The Wall Street Journal and Ravi Coltrane, a saxophonist, bandleader, composer and son of N.C. native and jazz legend, John Coltrane. [See the full schedule below, as well as a link to tickets.]
Lonnie Davis
15 Years in the Making
For Davis, this is the culmination of many years of focus, vision and hard work. Moving to Charlotte from New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Davis discovered a city that was thriving, despite a notable lack of jazz music. She set her mind to changing that. And, it worked.
“For over a decade and a half, we have worked on building the relationships and partnerships that will allow us to execute all the new initiatives and continued programming our community will enjoy throughout this year,” said Davis. “Our goal is to amplify the work of JazzArts Charlotte, while also celebrating the music, and the people who make it happen.”
Davis credits JazzArt’s growth with its “consistency and focus on building a jazz community while providing high-quality jazz education and world-class performance experiences.” But, that’s just part of it. Another key has been a multi-generational approach.
“[We’ve invested] in our youth, nurturing the jazz musicians and leaders of tomorrow. Quite a few of our students have gone on to become professional jazz musicians, advancing music on stages regionally, nationally, and even internationally,” said Davis.
Ravi Coltrane
The Band’s Just Warming Up
While this season of the JAZZ ROOM may be a high-water mark for the organization, Davis assures that it’s a point of celebration, but not the destination.
“Our goal is to amplify the work of JazzArts Charlotte, while also celebrating the music, and the people who make it happen,” said Davis. “I am grateful that residents of and visitors to this community continue to embrace jazz and support our work.”
Jazz music is serious business … and Davis is serious about it. But, we couldn’t end our conversation without asking her five ridiculous questions. Well, as ridiculous as she’d let us get away with.
You play the flute … but if you could instantly play one more instrument … what would it be? And, what would your stage name be?
I’d play electric bass. I also enjoy boxing, so my stage name would be “She Rumbles”.
What’s your favorite season in Charlotte?
Spring is my absolute favorite season in Charlotte because I love driving around seeing all the gorgeous crepe myrtles in bloom.
You are always on the go. What’s your morning regimen like to get started?
Morning meditation. Then the gym. After that, I am ready for whatever the day may bring.
When the Panthers play the Saints … which jersey do you wear?
I love Charlotte, but I will forever be a citizen of the “Who Dat” Nation.
Did all the “Sharon” roads/streets/lanes/avenues confuse you when you moved here?
Yes, and one day I would love to know who Sharon is/was.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t worry, Lonnie. If you really want to know about “Sharon,” our friends, Nick de la Canal at WFAE and Charlotte historian Dr. Tom Hanchett, have got you covered right here.]
The JAZZ ROOM Season 20 featured artists include:
- Cyrille Aimée
May 17, 6 and 9:15 p.m. | May 18, 7 and 9:15 p.m. - Ravi Coltrane
June 14, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | June 15, 7 and 9:15 p.m. - Joey Alexander
July 26, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | July 27, 7 and 9:15 p.m. - Herlin Riley
August 23, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | August 24, 7 and 9:15 p.m. - The Pedrito Martinez Group
September 27, 6 and 8:15 p.m. | September 28, 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at TheJazzArts.org or by calling 704-372-1000.
Below are events, jobs and grants open now. Dive in! Find more opportunities here.
EVENT: BOOM Charlotte 2024
April 26 to 28 | Camp North End | Various Times
BOOM is back for its seventh year this weekend. Featuring an impressive collection of local artists offering a diverse lineup of performances and installations, BOOM offers a three-day collection of free and ticketed immersive artistic experiences – music, dance, visual art, performance, comedy and much more – spread out across Camp North End. Full schedule of activities & tickets HERE.
The two main areas of BOOM are:
- BOOM Fringe offers original, edgy, and experimental art in intimate settings with $13 tickets for individual shows. TICKETS HERE.
- BOOM Intersection is a high-energy parade of diverse artforms and performers taking over the central stage with free interactive installations. Intersection is BOOM’s epicenter – a place where artists, audiences and community members can inspire each other.
Dive into the Arts & Culture Plan at BOOM
During BOOM, the City of Charlotte will be presenting the 10-year arts and culture plan approved by the City Council last fall. This is an opportunity to ask questions and offer insights about the plan and its application. The City’s space, called “Show and Tell” will highlight aspects of the plan through activities, fireside chats with recent Infusion Fund grant recipients, a hands-on workshop, live DJs, and other immersive experiences. MORE INFO.
EVENT: Measuring & Evaluating Success – Storytelling for Small Businesses
May 2 | On ZOOM | 6 to 7 p.m.
Join Ralphine Caldwell, executive director of the Charlotte office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) as she talks about the art of measuring and evaluating success for your small business! As a funder and supporter of small businesses, Caldwell will share how small businesses can work with funders, telling their story and using data to do so effectively. Register HERE for free.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This will be a powerful hour. It’s no small thing for Ralphine Caldwell to devote an hour of her time to help creatives and non-profits learn how to tell their story in ways that compel funders to give them the resources they need to build their organizations. She knows what she’s talking about and this is an event not to be missed. Attend and SHARE THIS with others.
EVENT: 100th Morning – CreativeMornings/Charlotte
May 3 | The BOplex | 8 to 10 a.m.
100 months ago — in November 2015 — Matt Olin and Tim Miner, founders of Charlotte Is Creative, publishers of The Biscuit, launched the Charlotte chapter of CreativeMornings (CM/CLT). They weren’t sure anyone would come. But, people DID come … and they kept coming. On Friday, May 3, the group will hold its 100th gathering in the BOplex annex between Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum thanks to the CRVA. The event will celebrate CM/CLT’s past and look ahead to the next 100 gatherings … and portions of it will be broadcast live from on WBTV’s QC Morning. Register HERE for free.
GRANT: Knight Emerging Cities Champions Program Returns
Deadline: 5/27
The Knight Emerging Cities Champions fellowship and micro-grant program has relaunched, offering young civic innovators $5,000 in seed funding and a $500 tech bundle to execute community projects in the Historic West End. Eligible applicants, aged 18 to 35, must submit their innovative proposals by May 27 for the 2024-2025 program. Direct questions to Knight’s VP of Communities and National Initiatives, Kelly Jin. Apply HERE.