The Jazz Legacy Project

Fun times with the great musicians and vocalist of the Jazz Legacy Project. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Greensboro hears live tribute to Ray Charles

Leigh Lofgren

Thursday, August 21, 2025

The Jazz Legacy Project brought to life the music of the legendary Ray Charles on Aug. 14 at Festival Hall.

‘The Jazz Legacy Project’ returns for 2023 at Festival Hall

Leigh Lofgren

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Festival Hall, after a great success in 2022, is once again hosting “The Jazz Legacy Project” featuring world-renowned musicians John Sandfort on Sax, Louis Heriveaux on piano, Kevin Smith on bass and the very entertaining narrator and drummer, Justin Varnes.

John Sandfort plays the saxophone. CONTRIBUTED

Cannonball Adderley opens 2023 Jazz Legacy Project

Staff Reports

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Festival Hall in Greensboro is presenting Cannonball Adderley, Preaching the Gospel of Jazz on Feb. 23, to open its 2023 Jazz Legacy Project. Known as the 'Country Preacher,' Adderley, a former Florida school teacher, turned into a jazz icon after he gave New York City a try.

The Jazz Legacy Project performs on stage at Festival Hall.

The Jazz Legacy of Billy Strayhorn: ‘Take the Train’

Story And Photos By Leigh Lofgren

Thursday, October 20, 2022

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.

Musicians John Sandfort, Louis Heriveaux, Kevin Smith and Justin Varnes bring the music of John Coltrane to life.

The Jazz Legacy Project

Story And Photos By Leigh Lofgren

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Another great must-see event was held June 16 at Festival Hall in Greensboro for the second in the series of The Jazz Legacy Project, featuring musicians Justin Varnes, drummer and narrator; Louis Heriveaux, pianist and keyboardist; Kevin Smith, bassist; and John Sandfort on saxophone.

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