Festival Hall in Greensboro and The Jazz Legacy Project will present the third show of their four-part 2024 Jazz Series on Aug. 22: Charlie Parker, Einstein of Modern Music.
Parker's rare combination of genius and persistence created a turning point in modern music. A kid who grew up on Kansas City blues helped turn jazz from a dance hall craze to music that belongs next to Bach. Like Louis Armstrong, music would never be the same after “Bird.”
Each of The Jazz Legacy Project’s shows lasts about 90 minutes. It brings the casual jazz listener inside the minds and music of the most influential and interesting American musicians of all time. The drummer, Justin Varnes, entertainingly narrates the life and music of each artist/composer, and seminal jazz pieces are played to illuminate the narration.
These are not tribute concerts in the sense that the musicians are trying to recreate the original performances; instead, they intend to celebrate each artist's essence and accomplishments.
“We are so excited our community is embracing the jazz art form,” Festival Hall Director Nicole Chillemi said. “Join us on August 22 as we learn more about Charlie Parker and celebrate his life and music with The Jazz Legacy Project.”
The Jazz Legacy Project: Charlie Parker, Einstein of Modern Jazz is on Thursday, Aug. 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission. For tickets and more information, visit online at festivalhallga.com. This program is supported in part by Visit Lake Oconee (visitlakeoconee.com).
Sponsorship opportunities also remain available for The Jazz Legacy Project Series. For more information, please email Chillemi at nicole@festivalhallga.com or call 762-243-8022.