By Charlie Leonard
December 14, 2020
JazzArts Charlotte will present its biggest annual show, Jazz Room: Holiday Edition, on Friday, December 18 virtually via YouTube and Facebook. The benefit concert will feature a mix of local, regional, and national acts performing holiday classics in support of the nonprofit’s educational scholarships, musicians, and future JazzArts programming.
This year’s event will host world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band, along with blues veteran and former Muddy Waters member Mac Arnold and his Plate Full O’Blues band. Also joining the festivities this year are jazz singer Sasha Masakowski, trumpeter Corey Wilkes, singer Robyn Springer, Matt Lemmler, Amos Hoffman, saxophonist Roxy Coss, and JazzArts’ very own All-Star Youth Ensemble.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting and diverse artist lineup for this year’s event,” said JazzArts President Lonnie Davis. “We are thrilled that so many renowned musicians from across the country will come together to help us celebrate this holiday season. I think we are all in need of some holiday cheer.”
For the show, each performer will handpick a holiday classic with a unique meaning to their personal lives and add their own jazz style to each song. “Music is the greatest sentimental treasure, said musician Coss. “I think this year the focus is on practicing gratitude for the things we do have– health, prosperity, educational opportunities, and for family and friendships and connections both in and out of this music.”
Despite the difficulties brought about by the pandemic, delivering a musical message of holiday cheer is something that can’t be sacrificed.
“Music must continue against all odds,” said performer Sasha Masakowski. “This year has stacked all the odds against us, but through it all, music continues to uplift and bring people together.”
JazzArts Charlotte, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lonnie and Ocie Davis, has been dedicated to the promotion, education, and preservation of jazz and related art forms in the greater Charlotte region since 2009.
The Jazz Room: Holiday Edition will air on Friday, December 18 via YouTube and Facebook. The online event is free, but a $10 donation is requested to support JazzArts educational scholarships, local musicians, and future JazzArts programming. For more information, check out JazzArts Charlotte’s website and follow the Facebook event page.
CLTure is a proud media partner of the JazzArts Charlotte Holiday Special.
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