Festival Hall in Greensboro will stage its second show of the 2026 Jazz Series on Aug. 6, with The Jazz Legacy Project’s (JLP’s) presentation of “Cole Porter, Jazz in Technicolor,” featuring special guest vocalist Sachal Vasandani.
Porter stands alone with an unparalleled gift of contributing so much to the Great American Songbook. He also had a gift for matching the emotional content of melodies and harmonies to his lyrics like no other while living a life that makes the most lavish rockstar pale in comparison.
“Cole Porter single-handedly composed over 1,000 songs, both the music and the lyrics, and taught us to celebrate all kinds of love – especially the kinds that weren’t talked about publicly,” JLP drummer and bandleader Justin Varnes said.
“And I’m so excited to introduce Sachal to the Festival Hall community,” Varnes added. “When Lincoln Center decided to honor Nat King Cole for his hundredth birthday a few years ago, they picked Sachal to front their ensemble. Come check out the show to see why!”
Vasandani is recognized for his singular voice, with a tone and unique phrasing that mark him as one of the most compelling artists on the jazz scene today. He has the swagger to front the most swinging big bands, but the vulnerability to present definitive takes on classic ballads.
His deeply creative approach to improvisation across lyrics, melodic changes, and time signatures results in an always soulful delivery, leading to Vasandani being regarded among the eminent vocal improvisers of his generation.
Vasandani has performed to enthusiastic audiences at major festivals, theaters, and clubs worldwide. He performs alongside artists of all styles, working with Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Milton Nascimento, Bill Charlap, Natalia Lafourcade, and Michael Feinstein, among others.
He is also an in-demand lyricist and composer, collaborating with artists across genres. His singing and writing were featured on Gerald Clayton’s Grammy-nominated album, “Life Forum” (2013), and Vasandani has released several albums of his own, including his latest and highly acclaimed “Best Life Now” (2025).
The Jazz Legacy Project: Cole Porter, Jazz in Technicolor is the third program in the four-part jazz series for 2026 at Festival Hall. Each program lasts approximately 90 minutes and is presented with a goal to bring the casual jazz listener inside the minds and music of the most influential and interesting American musicians of all time.
The life and music of each featured artist/composer is entertainingly narrated by Varnes, with seminal jazz pieces by the featured artist performed live to illuminate the narration. These are not tribute concerts, however, in the sense that the musicians are trying to recreate original performances or sounds. Instead, they seek to celebrate the unique essence and accomplishments of each featured artist.
The Jazz Legacy Project: Cole Porter, Jazz in Technicolor is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, with tickets starting at $25 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit festivalhallga.com. This program is supported in part by Visit Lake Oconee, Ellen and Jeff Lemming, and Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties, LLC.
Sponsorship opportunities also remain available for The Jazz Legacy Project Series. Reach out to Nicole Chillemi at nicole@festivalhallga. com or 762-243-8022 for information.