June 7, 2025

Keepin’ Jazz Alive! Concert Celebrates Charleston’s Culture

News Summary

The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston partnered with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival to host the ‘Keepin’ Jazz Alive!’ concert. Featuring live jazz performances from local artists, the event aimed to foster community unity and celebrate Charleston’s vibrant culture. Attendees enjoyed food from local food trucks and a variety of vendors, enhancing the inclusive atmosphere of the gathering. The concert aligns with ongoing efforts to promote jazz and engage the community through music and educational workshops.

Charleston — The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston collaborated with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival to host the “Keepin’ Jazz Alive!” concert on Thursday, which ran from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 562 Meeting St., Charleston, SC. The event was designed to foster unity and celebrate the unique culture of Charleston through the art of jazz music.

The concert showcased live performances from several talented artists, including Bill Wilson & Band, Grace Ramsey, and Ron Conyers. Residents and visitors enjoyed these performances free of charge, making it an inclusive gathering for the community.

Attendees also had the opportunity to savor delicious food from local food trucks such as Taste and See, Southern Roots BBQ, and Mazyck’s Grille. In addition, various vendors were present, offering a range of products and services. Businesses such as Everything Scented, Hope Center, ABS Insurance, and MOGO Earrings contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The “Keepin’ Jazz Alive!” event is part of the Housing Authority’s ongoing efforts to celebrate jazz music in Charleston. It aligns with a broader mission to engage the community with musical performances and educational workshops. Just a few days after the concert, jazz impresario Vijay Iyer hosted a workshop at the Charleston Jazz Academy on June 4, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and improvisation for aspiring musicians.

Every summer, the Spoleto Festival USA brings two performers to engage with local students, exemplifying its commitment to community involvement in the arts. In the past, trumpeter Etienne Charles conducted a similar workshop, which allowed students to interact and learn from established musicians.

Phillip D. Smith, the board president of Spoleto, highlighted the significance of ensuring accessibility to jazz music for all segments of the community. The festival relies heavily on donations, which account for approximately 60% of its operating expenses, underscoring the importance of community support for the arts.

Larry Blumenfeld, recognized as the jazz curator for Spoleto, has stressed the vital role of mentorship and education in the preservation and growth of jazz culture. In this context, the festival has initiated the “Jazz Is Community” series to strengthen ties with local residents through a series of community-focused events and performances.

The inaugural edition of “Jazz Is Community” featured the Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet, comprised of notable musicians including Donald Harrison (alto sax), Dan Kaufman (piano), Nori Naraoka (bass), and Joe Dyson (drums). This performance was not only a celebration of music but also a platform for discussing community building through jazz and its cultural impact.

As part of the festival’s programming, discussions on community cohesion through jazz and its influence are expected to continue, further bridging the gap between the performers and the audience. Upcoming events will emphasize the role of jazz as a cultural connector, encouraging creativity and community spirit.

Promoting accessibility to jazz music and facilitating workshops that inspire new generations of musicians is a priority for the organizers. Recommendations made during the workshops aim to help students stay creative and engaged through music, reinforcing the idea that jazz is not merely a genre but a vital aspect of community identity.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.