In honor of Dizzy Gillespie’s 104th birthday (October 21, 1917), join us on October 21, 2021 at Forte Jazz Lounge for Songs + Stories of Dizzy Gillespie. The evening will consist of a musical conversation about jazz music heroes and their proteges, featuring jazz trumpet virtuoso, Jon Faddis, and Dr. Al Fraser, djembe artist and co-author of To Be or not….to Bop – Memoirs Dizzy Gillespie. Signed books will be available for purchase at the event.

This special event will also include a private performance from Jon Faddis with a rhythm section comprised of local jazz musicians:

Abdiel Iriarte – Piano

Frank Duvall – Bass

Ron Wiltrout – Drums

La traviata stars Jessica E. Jones as the ill-fated courtesan Violetta, Rafael Moras as her ambitious lover Alfredo, and Reginald Smith, Jr. as Germont, the meddling father who values his family’s reputation over the happiness of his son. Led by Grammy-Award winning director Kevin Newbury, the artistic team will transform the ballpark into an intimate theatrical setting where modernity and tradition collide amidst a pandemic. Conducted by HALO’s Music Director Francesco Milioto, this production is sure to resonate with present day viewers.

Palmetto City Ballet’s season opener debuts an exciting evening of original choreography, transporting you to a vintage European jazz lounge. Experience the plight of an emerging lounge performer and see how a Twist of fate can make or break a star on the rise. The stylized choreography by Artistic Director and choreographer Jonathan Tabbert melds with renowned French jazz composer Claude Bolling, to offer a tantalizing taste of Parisian night life.

With a relationship that spanned 30 years – from idol to mentor to friend, few living musicians have such a deep connection to jazz legend and pioneer of Bebop, Dizzy Gillespie than Jon Faddis. When Faddis blasted onto the jazz scene, audiences were amazed at the young musician’s range, techniques and ability to successfully mirror the complex style of Dizzy Gillespie. Faddis soon developed his own trademark style and is now known as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. Even Dizzy described Faddis as “He’s the best ever – including me!” Living legend Jon Faddis will join your Charleston Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute and celebrate the musicianship and life of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie with Groovin’ High!

Jon Faddis will return in 2022 for a residency at our Charleston Jazz Academy providing master classes as well as visiting a few schools in our community sharing his passions for jazz.