Charleston Jazz Festival 2025: A Melodic Journey through Jazz Genres
The Charleston Jazz Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers, featuring a diverse lineup of performances from acclaimed artists such as Terence Blanchard, Jazzmeia Horn, and Paquito D’Rivera. Spanning a variety of jazz styles, the festival celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz music through concerts, intimate dinners, and soulful tributes, all set against the charming backdrop of Charleston, SC. With events at iconic venues like the Gaillard Center and Charleston Music Hall, this festival highlights the creativity and passion of renowned artists, offering an immersive jazz journey for all attendees.
The Charleston Gaillard Center, in association with the Charleston Jazz Festival, proudly presents Terence Blanchard’s FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES: OPERA SUITE IN CONCERT featuring special guests Justin Austin and Adrienne Danrich. Performed by Terence Blanchard and E-Collective, the performance beautifully bridges the worlds of jazz and classical music, showcasing the emotional depth and improvisational spirit that jazz brings to opera.
Join us for an evening of live jazz with the College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble, showcasing an exciting mix of original compositions and timeless jazz standards. Experience the dynamic talent and creativity of our distinguished faculty as they bring their passion for music to the stage.
Enjoy an intimate three course dinner with drinks and a jazz performance at The Establishment on Broad Street for a unique jazz dining experience. Artist to be announced soon.
In collaboration with the Charleston Music Hall, Grammy-nominated Jazzmeia Horn, renowned for her dynamic vocal range and captivating stage presence, will grace the stage at Charleston Music Hall, bringing her unique blend of soulful, expressive jazz to the festival. Known for her powerful storytelling and deep connection to jazz traditions, Jazzmeia delivers a performance that’s both timeless and fresh, infusing each note with emotion and artistry.
Get ready for an extraordinary night of music as the Charleston Jazz Orchestra proudly presents Grammy Award-Winner Paquito D’Rivera, a Cuban-American virtuoso known for his mastery of the alto saxophone and clarinet. With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that blends traditional Latin jazz with contemporary influences, D’Rivera brings a unique and electrifying energy to the stage. His performances are celebrated for their infectious rhythms, lyrical melodies, and innovative arrangements that showcase his unparalleled talent and deep-rooted passion for jazz.
The grand finale of the Charleston Jazz Festival is presented in partnership with Spoleto Festival USA and will feature the incomparable Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet from New Orleans. A National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and cultural ambassador, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison masterfully blends traditional New Orleans sounds with modern jazz, funk and more, creating a style as vibrant and dynamic as the city he calls home and as broad as jazz gets.
If you get your kicks on Route 66, this concert is for you! Immerse yourself in the irresistible sounds of note-bending blues performed by the renowned Charleston Jazz Orchestra, led by Robert Lewis, and featuring powerhouse vocalist Elise Testone. This unforgettable performance pays homage to legendary blues artists and the sound that helped shape American music. You will be enraptured by hits like Blues in the Night, Love Me or Leave Me and more!
Join us for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s much-anticipated concert, “Mr. Soul,” a dazzling homage to the legends of soul music. Under the dynamic direction of Robert Lewis, this performance promises to transport audiences to an era where sounds rooted in jazz, gospel, and blues reigned supreme. Featuring 2x Grammy Award-Winner Charlton Singleton, audiences will enjoy timeless hits of icons like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, James Brown, Ray Charles, Bill Withers, and Wilson Pickett.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Autumn Leaves concert which promises to weave cutting-edge jazz sounds with the timeless standards of the Great American Songbook. This evening of musical sophistication is set to showcase the virtuosity of Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, known as Chad LB. Chad’s magnetic presence on the saxophone has captivated audiences around the globe. With a career that includes touring with luminaries like Taylor Swift and Chris Botti, Chad has also worked with jazz greats such as Arturo Sandoval, Christian McBride, and Randy Brecker. Chad LB brings a blend of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression that will elevate this performance to new heights.
Embrace the festive spirit with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s highly anticipated annual extravaganza, Holiday Swing. Under the direction of Robert Lewis, with featured guests Lowcountry Voices, this concert promises a jubilant celebration of the holiday season through the lens of jazz. The Orchestra will present an array of seasonal jazz standards, each reimagined with arrangements crafted by some of their own musicians. These interpretations deliver a fresh take on classic tunes, offering something truly special that can only be experienced at this concert.
The Charleston Jazz Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz in all its forms. From intimate dinners to grand orchestral performances, the festival highlights the creativity and passion of renowned artists while paying homage to jazz traditions and exploring new musical territories. Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or a newcomer, this festival offers something for everyone, making it an essential cultural event in Charleston's vibrant music scene. As the festival unfolds, it promises to create lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the timeless art of jazz.