Jazz Legacy Project

Festival Hall Board Chairman Blayne May. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Festival Hall Board Chairman Blayne May. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

JLP performs Porter at Festival Hall

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, August 13, 2026
The Jazz Legacy Project (JLP) returned to a sold-out Festival Hall last Thursday night to present “Cole Porter: Jazz in Technicolor,” celebrating the legendary American composer and songwriter.Led by drummer and event narrator Justin Varnes, JLP also features saxophonist John Sandfort, bassist...
The Jazz Legacy Project opened its tribute to Louis Armstrong with “Bourbon Street Parade.” LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

The Jazz Legacy Project opened its tribute to Louis Armstrong with “Bourbon Street Parade.” LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

JLP presents music of Louis Armstrong

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Jazz Legacy Project (JLP) returned to Greensboro’s historic Festival Hall on May 14, with a tribute concert celebrating the music and life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.Opening with “Bourbon Street Parade,” JLP featured guest vocalist, trumpeter, and composer Michael Cruse performing alongside...
Members of The Jazz Legacy Project perform the music of Herbie Hancock to close out the 2025 season. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Members of The Jazz Legacy Project perform the music of Herbie Hancock to close out the 2025 season. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

JLP presents life and music of Herbie Hancock

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The Jazz Legacy Project (JLP) finished its 2025 season last week after presenting the life and music of jazz great Herbie Hancock.On stage at Greensboro’s Festival Hall were JLP narrator and drummer Justin Varnes, John Sandfort on saxophone, Kevin Smith on bass, pianist Louis Devereux, and Justin...
The Jazz Legacy Project on stage at Festival Hall in Greensboro, performing the music of jazz legend Miles Davis. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

The Jazz Legacy Project on stage at Festival Hall in Greensboro, performing the music of jazz legend Miles Davis. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Jazz Legacy Project presents music of Miles Davis

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Last week, the Jazz Legacy Project (JLP) musicians brought to life the music and times of legendary jazz performer Miles Davis at Festival Hall.
The Jazz Legacy Project featuring the music of Sarah Vaughan kicked off the 2025 season at Festival Hall, featuring vocalist Maria Howell. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

The Jazz Legacy Project featuring the music of Sarah Vaughan kicked off the 2025 season at Festival Hall, featuring vocalist Maria Howell. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Jazz Legacy Project opens 2025 series

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Jazz Legacy Project kicked off its 2025 series last Thursday evening at Greensboro’s Festival Hall, featuring “Sarah Vaughan, The Divine One.”
Fitzgerald tribute caps. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Fitzgerald tribute caps. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Fitzgerald tribute caps Jazz Legacy Project 2024

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The Jazz Legacy Project presented its final performance for 2024 last Thursday in front of a packed house at Festival Hall in Greensboro.JLP drummer and narrator Justin Varnes, bassist Kevin Smith, and tenor saxophone player John Sandfort were joined onstage by singer Maria Howell and Noel...
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. (CONTRIBUTED)

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. (CONTRIBUTED)

Jazz Legacy Project returning to Festival Hall

News Staff
Thursday, July 11, 2024
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.
Festival Hall’s popular Jazz Legacy series continues May 23 highlighting legendary pianist and vocalist Nat “King” Cole. CONTRIBUTED

Festival Hall’s popular Jazz Legacy series continues May 23 highlighting legendary pianist and vocalist Nat “King” Cole. CONTRIBUTED

Festival Hall premieres second show of 2024 Jazz Series

News Staff
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Festival Hall, Greensboro’s premier arts venue and cultural center, presents the second show of the 2024 Jazz Series, The Jazz Legacy Project: Nat “King” Cole, Unforgettable Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m.After building a successful career as a pianist, Cole’s decision to sing a song on a gig – and...
The Jazz Legacy Series at Greensboro’s Festival Hall, hosted by drummer and bandleader Justin Varnes, presents stories about and interpretations of music by some of the biggest stars of American jazz. CONTRIBUTED

The Jazz Legacy Series at Greensboro’s Festival Hall, hosted by drummer and bandleader Justin Varnes, presents stories about and interpretations of music by some of the biggest stars of American jazz. CONTRIBUTED

Purchase complete Jazz Legacy Series tickets now

News Staff
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Festival Hall in Greensboro is offering discounted rates for the three remaining shows of its Jazz Legacy Series this year, available as a package online at festivalhallga.com only until March 22.Festival Hall hosted the first of its 2024 Jazz Legacy Series, “Dave Brubeck, Time Out,” to a nearly...
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