The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will celebrate the legacy of Louis Armstrong on Saturday, Oct. 17, with “What a Wonderful World: Featuring Bruce Harris” at the Charleston Music Hall.
Performances will be held at 5 and 8 p.m. and feature internationally acclaimed trumpeter and educator Bruce Harris.
Armstrong is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz history. His energetic, rhythmic playing helped transform the role of the jazz soloist and influenced musicians across generations and genres of American popular music.
For the performances, Harris will join the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for a celebration of “Satchmo” and the music he created throughout his career. Each performance will run 90 minutes without an intermission.
Tickets and additional information are available at CharlestonJazz.com.
Meet Bruce Harris
A Bronx-born trumpeter, Harris is a musician and educator who blends jazz tradition with contemporary influences. Inspired by artists including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Prince, he began playing trumpet at age 12.
His early career included opportunities to perform with Wynton Marsalis through the Essentially Ellington competition. Harris later studied with trumpeter Jon Faddis at SUNY Purchase, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz performance.
Harris has performed at venues including Smalls, Smoke Jazz Club and Dizzy's Club and has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
He has also performed or collaborated with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Dave Brubeck and Samara Joy, as well as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
‘To Be Or Not To Bop’
Charleston Jazz's celebration of Armstrong will begin earlier in the week with “To Be Or Not To Bop: Live with Bruce Harris” on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Fox Music House.
The listening and live music event will explore Armstrong's artistry and influence on generations of trumpet players. Harris will share recordings and lead a conversation about Armstrong's music and legacy, followed by live performances with musicians from Charleston's jazz community.
Admission is free, but registration is required.
‘What a Wonderful World’ Gala
Charleston Jazz will continue the celebration with its annual “What a Wonderful World” fundraising gala on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Grand, 81 Mary St.
The evening will feature a performance by Harris alongside Charleston Jazz Orchestra musicians and students from the Charleston Jazz Academy.
Charleston Jazz will also present its annual Tip of the Hat Award during the gala. This year's honoree is Charleston native Dr. Al Fraser, a folklorist, historian and djembe artist who co-authored the 1979 autobiography “To Be, or Not ... to Bop” with jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
Hosted by WCBD News 2 anchor Carolyn Murray, the gala will feature a three-course dinner, open bar, live auction, Fund-a-Need opportunity and an after-party with live jazz.
Proceeds will support Charleston Jazz's performance, education and outreach programs.
Hi-Fi Listening Hour
The Louis Armstrong celebration will continue between the Charleston Jazz Orchestra's Oct. 17 performances with a free Hi-Fi Listening Hour at Record Stop Loft.
DJ Francis Beylotte will spin a curated selection of American classics and Louis Armstrong recordings from 6 to 8 p.m.