Music
The Charleston Jazz Festival Saw Record-Breaking Attendance
Press Release
The 2023 Charleston Jazz Festival was a resounding success, featuring an impressive lineup of talented artists including Samara Joy, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dianne Reeves, Matt White & Friends, Oscar Rivers Quartet, Sta.La.V & The Tribe, and Charlton Singleton’s Beehive Orchestra. The festival saw several sold-out shows, exceeded ticket sales projections and drew over four thousand attendees, making it one of the most successful events in Charleston Jazz history. Here’s what guests are saying about the festival:
“Both concerts were amazing nights of music that fed our souls!” (Dianne Reeves + Samara Joy) C. S. via Patron Survey
“Awesome performance!” (Samara Joy) – Lena L., via Facebook
“Outstanding show!” (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) – Rick W., via Facebook
“Wonderful venue and the performance was magical.” (Charlton Singleton’s Beehive Orchestra) – Jan N., via Patron Survey
The Charleston Jazz Festival showcased a diverse range of jazz styles, from traditional to modern, and attracted an enthusiastic audience of music lovers from around the world. Highlights included the world premiere of Matt White’s ‘Dolly,’ a jazz take on the music of Dolly Parton; an exhilarating concert by 23-year-old Grammy-winner Samara Joy, whose fans filled a city block as they lined up for autographs and photos; and a record-breaking standing ovation for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s performance, where audience members refused to leave without two more encore songs!
Charleston Jazz’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Lacy Miller, says, “Holding a festival of this caliber in Charleston is important as it elevates the Holy City’s rich history as one of the most significant jazz destinations in the world.”
Charleston Jazz has released the dates for the 2024 Charleston Jazz Festival. Mark your calendars for April 18–21, 2024, and take part in a treasured tradition. If you would like to submit a favorite jazz artist for consideration in the 2024 festival, email jazz@charlestonjazz.com.
What’s next for Charleston Jazz? The renowned Charleston Jazz Orchestra will take the stage for two performances of SUMMER SAMBA at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Charleston Music Hall on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. The orchestra, led by Robert Lewis, will feature exhilarating Brazilian jazz and highlight guest artists Alva Anderson, Heather Rice, and Duda Lucena. For more information, visit CharlestonJazz.com.