GREENE COUNTY
The Jazz Legacy Project was on the stage once again at Festival Hall, finishing the 2022 season with the story and music of Billy Strayhorn entitled “Take the Train.”
Strayhorn was born Nov. 29, 1915, and died of cancer on May 31, 1967.
He was an American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger who worked with Duke Ellington for almost 30 years and was a good friend to Martin Luther King Jr.
Strayhorn arranged and conducted “King Fit the Battle of Alabama” for the Ellington Orchestra in 1963 and “My People,” which he dedicated to King.
The Jazz Legacy Project was founded six years ago by bandleader and drummer Justin Varnes, who tells the story behind the music together with saxophonist John Sandfort, pianist Louis Heriveaux, and bassist Kevin Smith. They bring the music of the artists back to life.
Back on stage performing with them was Nicole Chillemi, Director of Festival Hall, who in her own right is an accomplished jazz singer.
The 2023 Jazz Legacy Series will begin Feb. 23 with the music and life of Cannonball Adderly: Preaching the Gospel of Jazz; May 11 will be the music of Art Blakey: The Father of Modern Jazz; Aug. 24 featuring the life and music of Johnny Mercer: From Savannah to Hollywood; and on Oct.19, the music of Thelonious Monk: The Piano is a Drum.
Visit FestivalhallGA.com for more information on evenings of both concert and jazz appreciation.