Charleston, South Carolina, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina will host the Lowcountry Jazz Festival on August 30 and 31 at the Gaillard Center. The festival will feature renowned artists like Bob James and Boney James, offering jazz, R&B, and funk to create a unique experience. With ticket prices ranging from $76 to $300, this event aims to foster community engagement through fundraising efforts. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere as this year’s lineup delivers high-energy performances.
Charleston, South Carolina is preparing to host the Lowcountry Jazz Festival, celebrating its 19th year over the Labor Day weekend, specifically on August 30 and 31, at the renowned Gaillard Center.
This annual festival will showcase an impressive lineup of performers, including the multi-talented Bob James, celebrated Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kem, the well-known jazz group Pieces Of A Dream, and saxophonist Boney James. Attendees can expect a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere as these artists bring their high-energy performances to the stage.
Bob James, recognized for his successful duet albums with guitarist Earl Klugh, boasts a career that spans over six decades. His contribution to the jazz genre has made him a revered figure in the music industry. In a similar vein, Boney James has recorded an impressive 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Jazz Charts and has multiple Gold albums to his credit, reflecting his influence and popularity.
Festival producer and artistic director Tony Clarke aims to create an exclusive boutique experience for jazz enthusiasts, collaborating with festival founder Dr. Thaddeus Bell to curate a lineup that appeals to audience preferences. This attention to detail enhances the overall appeal of the festival, positioning it as a unique event that attendees cannot experience elsewhere throughout the year.
Pieces Of A Dream, established since 1976, has been blending funk and R&B into traditional jazz, further enhancing the festival’s lineup. The combination of jazz, R&B, and soul is anticipated to resonate well with a diverse audience of music lovers.
The Gaillard Center is highlighted as an ideal venue for hosting this boutique experience, known for its ability to create a unique and intimate festival atmosphere. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on both nights, allowing patrons a chance to soak in the ambiance before the performances kick off.
Tickets for the Lowcountry Jazz Festival are available online, with prices ranging from $76 to $300. This tiered pricing makes the event accessible to a wide socioeconomic audience, allowing more individuals to enjoy the rich musical offerings.
In addition to the festival, upcoming events in the Charleston Jazz scene include: the “Mr. Soul” featuring Charlton Singleton on September 20; the MOJA Arts Festival celebrating African-American and Caribbean culture from September 25 to October 5; a performance titled “Autumn Leaves” with saxophonist Chad LB on October 18; and a festive concert called “Holiday Swing” led by Robert Lewis on December 6. Furthermore, the Charleston Jazz Festival will take place from April 13 to 19, with specific dates to be announced.
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival also emphasizes community engagement through its fundraising efforts for Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc., aiming to promote health equity within the community. The 2025 festival is poised to be a milestone event, commemorating 20 years of this important health initiative.
Lissa Frenkel, the President of the Charleston Gaillard Center, recognizes the significance of the partnership in sustaining this jazz tradition and its impact on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Lowcountry Jazz Festival taking place?
The festival will take place on August 30 and 31.
Where is the Lowcountry Jazz Festival being held?
It will be held at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
Who are some of the featured performers?
Featured performers include Bob James, Kem, Pieces Of A Dream, and Boney James.
What are the ticket prices for the festival?
Tickets are available online, ranging from $76 to $300.
What is the purpose of the festival regarding community engagement?
The festival aims to promote health equity through its fundraising efforts for Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc.
Key Features of the Lowcountry Jazz Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | August 30 and 31 |
| Location | Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC |
| Ticket Price Range | $76 to $300 |
| Notable Performers | Bob James, Kem, Pieces Of A Dream, Boney James |
| Community Engagement | Fundraising for Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. |
| Upcoming Events | Upcoming performances include “Mr. Soul,” MOJA Arts Festival, and “Autumn Leaves.” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Hosts Variety of Events This August
Food & Wine Classic Returns to Charleston
Extreme Heat Advisory Issued for Charleston Area
Lowcountry Jazz Festival Set to Enchant Charleston’s Music Scene
Charleston Hosts Weekend of Laughter, Music, and Learning
Dr. Amanda Quist Appointed as New Music Director for Spoleto Festival USA Chorus
Keepin’ Jazz Alive! Concert Celebrates Charleston’s Culture
Gullah Roots Concert Celebrates Cultural Heritage
Charleston to Host Food & Wine Classic
Charleston’s Role in the Birth of Memorial Day
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Lowcountry Jazz Festival Returns
- Broadway World: Return of Lowcountry Jazz Festival
- Post and Courier: Things to Do in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- Google Search: Lowcountry Jazz Festival
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.
