University of Memphis Hosts Annual Jazz Week

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music annual showcase celebrates Jazz legends and up-and-coming Jazz greats throughout the city of Memphis culminating with a show-stopping performance featuring UofM Alumni Charlton Johnson.

University of Memphis Faculty Jazz Concert
March 1 at 7:30 PM, Harris Concert Hall

Kick-off our annual Jazz Week with a special performance by our world-class, award-winning Faculty Jazz Sextet.

The audience will be treated to David Spencer on the trumpet/flugelhorn, Jack Cooper wailing on the saxes/woodwinds, Alvie Givhan mastering the piano keys, Mike Assad banging it out on the drums, Michael Shults on the saxophone and Sam Shoup cranking it out on the bass.

Available on Live Stream – enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

FREE ADMISSION – Reserved seats required

University of Memphis ComboNation
March 2 at 6:30, The Bluff

Play it again! Join us for night two of Jazz Week at The Bluff with the University of Memphis ComboNation.

Audiences will be treated to a wide-ranging showcase featuring multiple musical combos cranking out classic and contemporary hits with Memphis staples of blues and jazz.

We’re serving straight-up Memphis talent with a lineup featuring a red-hot smokin’ jazz combo, a plucky new guitar combo with power vocals, and an insane offering of three all-star rock/ pop groups.

Free Admission

University of Memphis Jazz Singers
March 3 at 7:30, Harris Concert Hall

Enjoy the University Jazz Singers, our premier vocal jazz ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Jack Cooper, Jazz Singers wows crowds with their powerful vocalists and rhythm section. This evening’s concert will feature a wide range of music from traditional arrangements of jazz standards to more contemporary fusion jazz.

Available on Live Stream – enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

FREE ADMISSION: Reserved tickets required

Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra featuring Charlton Johnson
March 5 at 7:30 PM, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

We’re ending Jazz Week on a high note! This is a can’t miss, special performance by Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra with featured guest Charlton Johnson at the Green Room at Crosstown Arts.

We’re bringing it all to the stage with our 17-piece jazz ensemble to thrill music lovers with the sounds of legendary Harlem Renaissance artists such as Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, along with modern composers such as Jim McNeely and Bob Brookmeyer.

Jazz legend Charlton Johnson headlines the performance bringing his global experiences back to his hometown in this collaboration with his alma mater. Johnson started his career at 14 influenced by Memphis’ rich mixture of musical styles, homegrown talent and playing in local nightclubs on historic Beale Street. Taking his guitar skills around the world, he has played with jazz icons and all-stars including the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald, along with recording five albums, one of which won a GRAMMY award.

PURCHASE TICKETS

View Crosstown Arts’ COVID-19 Policy for Events Among them includes two options for guests 5 years or older:

Provide proof of vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine)
Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 Hours