Join Charleston Jazz as they bring a spectacular series of performances to life, paying tribute to jazz icons and celebrating innovative collaborations. From a global jazz journey with Danilo Pérez to a centennial celebration of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and a heartfelt homage to Louis Armstrong, Charleston Music Hall becomes a vibrant hub for jazz lovers. Not to forget, the annual Holiday Swing with Tommy Brown Jr. promises to be a festive delight, ensuring a memorable year for all jazz enthusiasts.

A Year of Jazz: Charleston Celebrates Musical Legends and Innovations

Our highly anticipated Season 18 begins with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s tribute to Billie Holiday, featuring Charleston’s own, Tonya Nicole. Billie Holiday, also known as ‘Lady Day’, is considered one of jazz’s greatest vocalists and who bravely revolutionized jazz, blues and popular music. Her distinctive, expressive style was strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists and widely known to convey intense and personal feelings through her distinctive voice.

Following the success of her 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival performance, Tonya Nicole’s rich vocal expression with southern warmth glides from velvety lows to soaring highs effortlessly blending music and storytelling to an unforgettable experience. We look forward to having you join us for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Season 18 opening performance, Ode to Billie Holiday!

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Ode to Billie Holiday: Tonya Nicole + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Charleston Music Hall

Back by popular demand! The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is proud to present Love Supreme featuring two powerhouse local vocalists – Heather Rice & Tommy Brown Jr. to the West Beach Conference Center on Sunday, August 17 at 7:30PM.

The show will highlight music from the Motown, Swing, Bossa Nova and Big Band eras, to include favorites by Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, George Gershwin, Esperanza Spalding, John Coltrane and Al Green. Love Supreme will feature the 18 member Charleston Jazz Orchestra, with its rich musical heritage of South Carolina, and the outstanding vocal talents of Heather Rice and Tommy Brown Jr.

Love Supreme – Charleston Jazz Orchestra on Kiawah Island

West Beach Conference Center

Experience an unforgettable night of world-class jazz as Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer and educator Danilo Pérez joins forces with the dynamic Charleston Jazz Orchestra for a performance that transcends borders and genres! Pérez, known for his visionary blend of Pan-American jazz and collaborations with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Wayne Shorter, brings his signature passion, rhythm, and innovation to the stage in a powerful collaboration with South Carolina’s premier Big Band.

A night of Global Jazz, this performance promises a journey through the universal language of music. Under the direction of Maestro Robert Lewis, this show will explore rich sonic landscapes, celebrating the spirit of improvisation and cultural connection. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, this is a concert you won’t want to miss!

Global Connections: Danilo Pérez + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Miles Davis and John Coltrane, two towering figures who reshaped the landscape of 20th-century music. Both born in 1926, Davis’ understated, cool lyricism on Trumpet and Coltrane’s intense sheets of sound on Saxophone would form the modern jazz soundscape in the 1950’s and 60’s. Their musical relationship produced some of the most celebrated recordings in jazz history, such as Kind of Blue, ‘Round About Midnight, and Milestones.

The 18-member Charleston Jazz Orchestra, with its rich musical heritage of South Carolina, celebrates 100 years of Miles and Coltrane, continuing the journey set forth by these powerhouse architects of jazz!

Miles and Coltrane at 100: The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Piano Legends celebrates and explores the rich legacy of iconic pianists throughout Jazz history. Spanning the evolution of jazz from Ragtime to Modern Fusion, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra will present the styles and innovations of legendary jazz pianists such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, to showcase how this grandiose instrument shaped the genre’s emotional and harmonic language. Featured with your Charleston Jazz Orchestra will be 4 outstanding members of our jazz piano community to pay homage to the Piano Legends who shaped its sound.

Piano Legends: The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Louis Armstrong is considered one of the most important, if not the most important figure in the history of Jazz. His energetic and rhythmic playing has been a major influence on soloists of every genre of American popular music. Louis’ soaring trumpet and gravelly voice were made world famous with such favorites as Hello Dolly, Mack the Knife, Cheek to Cheek, and What a Wonderful World.

Trumpet phenom Bruce Harris is an internationally renowned musician and educator and is Artistic Director of Programs at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York City. Throughout his career, Bruce has collaborated with many artists, to include Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Samara Joy. On this special evening, Bruce joins the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for a Celebration of ‘Satchmo’ and the amazing music he created for the world to enjoy!

What a Wonderful World: Bruce Harris + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Embrace the festive spirit with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s highly anticipated annual extravaganza, Holiday Swing. Under the direction of Robert Lewis, with featured guest vocalist Tommy Brown, Jr, 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.

Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Apr 18, 2026

Global Connections: Danilo Pérez + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

May 16, 2026

Miles and Coltrane at 100: The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Sep 19, 2026

Piano Legends: The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Oct 17, 2026

What a Wonderful World: Bruce Harris + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Dec 5, 2026

2026 Holiday Swing: Tommy Brown Jr. + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Feb 7, 2026

Ode to Billie Holiday: Tonya Nicole + The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

Aug 17, 2025

Love Supreme – Charleston Jazz Orchestra on Kiawah Island

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Charleston Jazz Orchestra