Jazz Festival Kickoff at Levine Center for the Arts

Kick off the Charlotte Jazz Festival with the four cultural institutions at Levine Center for the Arts!

What could be better than art and jazz? Start the day with a hands-on lesson on the history of jazz at the Gantt Center.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Family First Presented by Novant Health: The Standard Jazz Series- An Interactive Music Demonstration

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month at the Gantt Center with The Standard featuring saxophonist Harvey Cummings II.

Master Class Instructor Harvey Cummings II will invite participants of all levels to engage with the band as they trace the story of America’s classical music – jazz – and discover everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-jazz with an Q & A session and interactive musical demonstrations.

Then immerse yourself in a variety of arts experiences at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art; Blumenthal Performing Arts' Knight Theater; Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture; and Mint Museum Uptown.

RSVP HERE

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Musical performance on the Gantt Center Plaza

The Harvey Cummings Project will perform a selection of jazz music featuring phenomenal musicians for a unique blend of straight ahead jazz and cool vibes. Get ready for an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience that unites contemporary elements with the rich history of jazz culture!

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Food Trucks on Levine Avenue of the Arts

12:00 Noon - 4:30 PM
Drums + Art at the Bechtler

Create your own Firebird Mosaic Collages on the museum plaza, or go inside to hear spin drums!

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Jazzin’ on the Terrace with Mint Museum Uptown

Join Charlotte poets, vocalist Nicci Canada, and area jazz musicians as they improv and play the best in jazz & blues. With an early 1900s ‘juke joint’ theme guests can hear improv blends that stirs one to move with toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’.

PLUS:

As an added bonus all Bank of America cardholders receive FREE admission for Museums on Us weekend!

All members of the Bechtler, Gantt Center and Mint will receive free entry to ALL THREE museums! Not a member? It’s easy... Visit each institution's website or purchase an Levine Center for the Arts Admission Pass good for all three museums!