April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and there’s no shortage of opportunities in Charlotte to enjoy and learn about jazz in April, 2024. We’ve compiled a list of opportunities in the Charlotte area where you can get a glimpse into the rich world of jazz.
This is not a full list of every jazz concert in April, but it’s a good start! Bonus: Many of these events are free to attend. (Tipping is always appreciated, though!)
Jazz has many genres — Band Band, Dixieland, Free jazz, Ragtime and Latin Jazz, to name just a very few. And elements of jazz combine with other musical traditions to create endless fusion possibilities. Jazz is usually improvisational, so you never hear the same thing twice.
Jazz on the Plaza
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Duke Energy are presenting a free lunchtime concert series in April, 2024, for Jazz Appreciation Month.
Each Wednesday in April, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy live performances at Duke Energy Plaza, 525 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
This series, curated by Harvey Cummings II, will explore the history, sub-genres and nuance of jazz.
April 3: The Elijah Freeman Combo
Led by saxophonist Elijah Freeman, listeners can enjoy selections and classics by the jazz masters themselves: Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and more.
April 10: The Tim Scott Jr. Ensemble
Exploring the blending and merging of genres from early sampling to jazz incorporation.
April 17: Multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Charles
Exploring the Fusion scene which became popular in the 1970’s with artists like Herbie Hancock, and contemporary selections of Robert Glasper.
April 24: The Sounds of Violinist Emanuel Wynter
Exploring Jazz undertones with Folk and R&B.
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session
Every Monday at 7 p.m., Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, hosts The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session. In memory of Charlotte legend Bill Hanna, some of Charlotte’s best musicians get together every week and perform in this intimate session. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 the day of the show. More info here. Age 21+.
Deep Register featuring Felix Pastorius
Felix Pastorius is an innovative jazz fusion bassist who just happens to be son of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius. Deep Register featuring Felix Pastorius will be at The Evening Muse on April 3, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. More info here.
Ethan Uslan at Pianodrome
Ethan Uslan, the renowned ragtime/jazz pianist, will be playing, fittingly, in the Pianadrome, an auditorium built from piano parts in Grace AME Zion Church. His concert on April 4, 2024, is free, and part of Charlotte SHOUT! Also performing are bassist E’Lon JD, whose sound combines elements of soul, funk, jazz and rock, and singer/songwriter Josh King. More info.
GospelSHOUT!
The trombone-based Shout bands of United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP) are influenced by jazz, especially Dixieland jazz, as well as blues, gospel, and spirituals. Experience this unique sound at the annual GospelSHOUT! concert on April 9, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., at United House of Prayer, 2321 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Come early for a soul food dinner. The cafeteria opens at 6 p.m. The concert is free and dinner is around $15.
Family First: “The Standard” Jazz Workshop at The Gantt Center
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is hosting Family First: “The Standard” Jazz Workshop at 12 p.m. The cost is $10 and participants age 6 and over are welcome.
This workshop by Harvey Cummings II creates an opportunity for music fans and students to learn about the building blocks and instruments used in jazz. Learn more and find the registration link here.
Jazz Fest featuring Ghost-Note
Charlotte SHOUT! closing night features Jazz Fest at First Ward Park, on April 14, 2024, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. This is a free event.
- 2 p.m.: Harvey Cummings II
- 3 p.m.: Mark Larson
- 4 p.m.: Kenya Templeton
- 5 p.m.: The DJaM Collective
- 6 p.m.: Lovell Bradford
- 7 p.m.: Groove 8
- 8:30 p.m.: Ghost-Note
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, a steel pan-fronted band that plays a fusion of jazz, classical and progressive rock, will be performing at Petra’s on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. More info here. Age 21+.
JazzArts Charlotte
JazzArts Charlotte’s mission is to connect the cultural community and develop an audience for jazz, through quality education, performance, and musician support. The Emmet Cohen Trio is performing at the Jazz Room at Stage Door Theater on April 19 and 20, 2024, and as part of their visit, Emmet Cohen is teaching a free jazz youth workshop on April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Jazz Appreciation Concert in Huntersville
Huntersville Parks & Recreation is hosting jazz concerts on April 26 and 27, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening, at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, North Carolina.
These free concerts feature Hank Bilal, The Hopewell High School Titan Elite Jazz Ensemble and Holly Hopkins Jazz. More information about Huntersville’s Jazz Appreciation Concert Series.
Middle C Jazz
Middle C Jazz, at 300 South Brevard Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is known as Charlotte’s home for jazz. The venue has a full calendar of concerts every month, and April is no different. Artists include Walter Beasley, Adam Hawley, Angelica Baylor, Rick Braun, and more. Check out the schedule and buy tickets here.
Old Town Public House
Old Town Public House, at 21314 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, North Carolina, hosts a jazz night the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Come by April 3 or 17, 2024. The lineup features Scott McCloud on bass, Bobby Thomas on drums and Aaron Carlisle on guitar. This is a free event.
Cajun Queen
This long-time favorite restaurant at 1800 E 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, features live jazz every night. More info.
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