The Charleston Jazz Festival promises an unforgettable experience with performances by renowned artists such as the College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble, Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, Al Di Meola Acoustic Quartet, and the Herlin Riley Quartet with Gullah Collective. Spanning various jazz styles and cultural influences, this festival offers a unique opportunity to witness live performances by jazz legends and rising stars in the heart of Charleston.

A Symphony of Jazz: Charleston Jazz Festival Highlights

Experience two extraordinary performances honoring the vibrant musical legacies of Charleston and New Orleans. The evening opens with the Gullah Collective, led by CL Baxter, celebrating the Gullah Geechee traditions of the Sea Islands through ancestral rhythms, soulful vocals, and powerful storytelling.

The program continues with legendary drummer Herlin Riley and his Quartet—featuring Oscar Rossignoli on piano, Max Moran on bass, and Julian Lee on tenor and soprano saxophone—as they pay homage to the dynamic rhythms and improvisational spirit that define New Orleans jazz.

Together, these performances illuminate the deep connections between two iconic American jazz traditions, creating an immersive and uplifting celebration of rhythm, culture, and creativity.

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Charleston Jazz Festival | Herlin Riley Quartet + Gullah Collective

Charleston Music Hall

Join us for A Toast to the Charleston Jazz Festival, a festive gathering bringing together jazz enthusiasts, special guests, and musicians to celebrate the spirit of the Festival and the extraordinary artistry of legendary pianist Danilo Pérez.

Conveniently located just across the alley from the Charleston Music Hall, the reception will take place upstairs at Vincent Chicco’s immediately following the 5:00 PM performance and before the 8:00 PM performance.

Guests will enjoy wine, beer, and a delicious selection of appetizers while connecting with fellow Festival attendees, artists, and supporters.

Charleston Jazz Festival Reception

Jazz guitar fusion legend Al Di Meola returns with his acoustic band and the program “The Guitarchitect,” a refined concert experience that unites five decades of music, sweeping multimedia visuals, and the stories that shaped a lifetime of artistry. This tour is a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the evolution of the Di Meola sound — performed with the unmistakable precision and passion that have defined his world-renowned career.

Joined by acclaimed guitarist Peo Alfonsi, percussionist Sergio Martinez, and tabla virtuoso Amit Kavthekar, this ensemble blends intricate acoustic guitar interplay with pulsating Latin and Indian-inspired rhythms.

Join us for an evening that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks toward the future.

Charleston Jazz Festival | Al Di Meola Acoustic Quartet

Feel the thunder, swing, and soul of hard bop as the Charleston Jazz Festival celebrates the legacy of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers—one of the most influential forces in jazz history. An all-star band led by musical director and pianist Abdiel Iriarte, this group of Charleston musicians brings the energy and soul of one of jazz’s most iconic band leaders to life. This tribute concert honors Blakey’s explosive drumming, unrelenting groove, and his unmatched role as a mentor who launched generations of jazz legends.

Join us for an evening of straight-ahead swing, deep groove, and hard bop at its finest—music that doesn’t just honor the past, but still hits hard today. Blakey famously said, ‘Music washes the way the dust of everyday life!

Charleston Jazz Festival | Jazz Messengers – A Tribute to Art Blakey

American Theater

The Charleston Jazz Festival honors the life, music, and uncompromising spirit of Nina Simone – dubbed the ‘High Priestess of Soul’ – who reshaped jazz, soul, classical, and protest music with a voice that could soothe, scorch, and summon truth all at once. Captivating vocalist Alva Anderson and a trio of Charleston musicians will trace Simone’s story from the hills of North Carolina to the countryside of France exploring Simone’s unique blend or musical styles as well as her role as a civil right activist who used music as a powerful vehicle for change. Through reimagined arrangements and faithful renditions, the evening traces Simone’s journey from intimate love songs to fearless anthems of resistance, celebrating her genius as a pianist, singer, and activist.

Charleston Jazz Festival | Nina Simone – Rebel With a Cause

Experience the thrilling synergy of the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio at the Charleston Jazz Festival. Cuban-born pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, celebrated for his virtuosic technique and emotive storytelling, leads this powerhouse ensemble. Joining him are the versatile Munir Hossn on guitar and bass, and the dynamic Michael Olivera on percussion, creating a sound that is both rhythmically intricate and melodically rich.

Expect a journey through jazz infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms, contemporary improvisation, and unforgettable energy—this is a performance that will resonate long after the last note.

Charleston Jazz Festival | Alfredo Rodriguez Trio

College of Charleston

Join us for a  night of live jazz featuring the College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble — five of Charleston’s most celebrated jazz musicians coming together for a rare performance as a quintet!

These acclaimed artists are constantly in demand across local, regional, and national stages, making this collaboration a truly special occasion. Experience their dynamic, creative energy as they bring original compositions and reimagined jazz standards to life. This is one show you won’t want to miss!

Charleston Jazz Festival | The College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble

Savor an unforgettable evening of exceptional cuisine and live jazz with Charleston’s beloved “First Lady of Jazz,” Ann Caldwell, joined by her acclaimed LooseFitt Jazz Ensemble. This all-inclusive experience features a three-course dinner at The Establishment, recommended in The MICHELIN Guide 2025, curated wine pairings, a specialty cocktail, taxes and gratuity—plus an intimate live performance. Tickets are limited and consistently sell out, so early booking is highly recommended.

Charleston Jazz Festival

Apr 19, 2026

Charleston Jazz Festival | Herlin Riley Quartet + Gullah Collective

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Charleston Jazz Festival Reception

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Charleston Jazz Festival