In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Jazz Arts Group returns to the historic Southern Theatre to pay tribute to your favorite keyboard legends in “Piano Men: The Music of Billy Joel, Elton John & Stevie Wonder,” April 11 – 14. The powerful vocals of Chester Gregory and keyboard wizardry of Dave Powers join Bobby Floyd and the CJO on timeless classics like “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and many more. Join us opening night for our next “Outlook Night Out” featuring jazz-themed drinks and food specials afterwards at The Jury Room!
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will mark the 12th annual Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in April with a month-long celebration of jazz featuring performances, talks, tours and family-oriented events. The museum launched JAM in 2001 as an annual event that pays tribute to jazz both as a historic and living American art form. It has since grown to include celebrations in all 50 states and 40 other countries. The Spirit and Rhythms of Jazz is the 2013 JAM theme highlighting jazz cultural history, musical performance and stories, programs and productions this April. JAM and UNESCO’s International Jazz Day April 30 provide rich platforms for individuals and communities to explore jazz principles of freedom, inclusion and creativity to learn how jazz has transformed America and inspired the world. To commemorate Jazz Appreciation Month and National Autism Awareness Month, both celebrated annually during the month of April, the Jazz Arts Group will form a unique partnership with the Helping Hands Center for Special Needs (HHC). HHC will join the Columbus Jazz Orchestra during its “Piano Men” concerts to share information about the work being done locally and statewide around issues of autism research and awareness.
Audience members can also join Byron Stripling for a casual and engaging conversation with Dave Powers (Sat. April 13, 2:00 p.m.) and the wonderful guest artists of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in a new workshop series at the Jazz Academy. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” provides participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the artist perspective on performing with the CJO – adding new perspective to being an audience member. In addition to the opportunity to learn something new, each guest artist will be asked to share what they are currently listening to on their iPods or CD players, introducing audiences to new and exciting music and artists. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” is free to CJO subscribers and $10 for general registrants. Pre-registration is requested and available by clicking here.
COLUMBUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH WITH “PIANO MEN: THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL, ELTON JOHN & STEVIE WONDER”
April 11-14, 2013
Southern Theatre
Featuring: Chester Gregory, Dave Powers