News Summary
Charleston’s vibrant jazz scene is set to showcase two notable performances featuring local talent and celebrated artists. Leah Suárez will perform at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA with her project ‘Las Americas,’ while renowned alto saxophonist Big Chief Donald Harrison will headline the Charleston Jazz Festival. Both events emphasize the city’s rich musical heritage and the contributions of local artists, providing an engaging experience for audiences and supporting the development of talent in the Charleston jazz community.
Charleston is set to be vibrant with music as two notable performances are on the horizon, showcasing local talent and celebrated artists. Leah Suárez, a multilingual jazz vocalist and a central figure in the Charleston jazz scene, is set to perform on June 6 at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA. Suárez’s project, titled “Las Americas,” will feature a rich tapestry of sounds from across the Americas, including influences from Havana, Veracruz, and Brazil. Meanwhile, the Charleston Jazz Festival will feature esteemed alto saxophonist Big Chief Donald Harrison, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, known for blending New Orleans sounds with modern jazz and funk.
Leah Suárez co-founded Charleston Jazz, a nonprofit organization, in 2005 to enrich the local jazz community. In addition to her musical endeavors, she works remotely as a communications manager for OLA of Eastern Long Island, a Latino advocacy organization. Her dual careers keep her busy, contributing to a dynamic lifestyle defined by constant change. Suárez’s journey into music began with euphonium playing, transitioning to a focus on vocal performance after surgery affected her ability to continue playing the instrument. After transferring to the College of Charleston to engage with the jazz voice department, she discovered her passion for singing, which has since flourished.
Suárez’s upcoming performance at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA will showcase her project “Port a Puerto,” celebrating diverse musical heritages. This event is part of the broader Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which is known for promoting local artists and enhancing the cultural landscape of Charleston. Audiences can anticipate an engaging experience as Suárez presents her unique musical perspective.
On the other hand, the Charleston Jazz Festival plans to highlight Donald Harrison, whose legacy includes significant contributions to jazz and his role as a cultural ambassador. His participation will feature an in-school performance at Goose Creek High School and a masterclass aimed at local students of the Charleston Jazz Academy. Additionally, a screening of the documentary “Guardians of the Flame,” which highlights Harrison’s cultural initiatives, will occur on April 29, followed by a Q&A session and concert.
Leah Suárez’s daily routine includes early mornings, typically starting at 5:30 a.m. with vocal warm-ups and opportunities to connect with nature over coffee while journaling. She enjoys breakfast at local favorites such as Gaulart & Malicet Fast and French or Huriyali. Weekends allow her to unwind from her intense work schedule, often involving activities such as exploring the outdoors or attending live performances by fellow artists. Her culinary preference includes sweet potatoes prepared with cinnamon and honey, which serves as a reflection of her creative and nurturing approach to both her culinary and musical interests.
As the festival draws near, excitement builds among Charleston’s jazz community, eager to witness and support the performances of both Leah Suárez and Big Chief Donald Harrison. These events not only celebrate the rich musical heritage of jazz but also contribute to the ongoing development of local talent. With projects designed to resonate with audiences on various levels, Suárez’s and Harrison’s performances promise to be impactful, continuing their legacies and inspiring future generations of artists.
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: A Jazz Vocalist Writes & Gets Outside
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- JazZiz: Big Chief Donald Harrison Headlines Charleston Jazz Festival
- Google Search: Charleston Jazz Festival
- Count on 2: Legendary Charleston Musician George Kenny to be Honored
- Google Scholar: Jazz Music
- Post and Courier: Flowertown Festival & Charleston Jazz TED Talks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz Music
- Lucky Dog News: Friends of Charleston National Parks to Host Jazz in the For
- Google News: Jazz Music News
