The 2024 Charleston Jazz Festival Brings International Attention to Local History

April 13, 2024

4:47 PM

Joshua Redman Group (Provided)

April is known around the world as Jazz Appreciation Month. In Charleston, South Carolina, the Charleston Jazz Festival takes recognition of the art form to a whole new level, with four days dedicated to live jazz performances at various venues throughout the city. From April 18–21, locals and visitors alike converge to pay homage to the Holy City's heritage as one of the earliest incubators of jazz. When the genre began to emerge, African rhythms found in the Gullah praise houses of the region were woven into the fabric of the musical stylings we know today, making Charleston one of the most historically significant jazz destinations in the world.

If you have never experienced the Charleston Jazz Festival, here's what to expect. Opening day on Thursday, April 18th, historically known as Lowcountry Jazz Day, will showcase three bands comprised of local and regional performers. These concerts will take place at the hip, intimate Music Farm venue downtown. The space will be transformed into a "jazz club," complete with cozy tables where you can sip and savor refreshments from the Farm's bar or tiny kitchen, Tully's. Headliners include Benny Goodman-style clarinetist Pete Neighbour, a Lowcountry-inspired original concert by The Southern Pines, as well as the five-headed, funk-driven beast with New Orleans flair known as Mike Quinn and the Parade Band.

Thursday and Friday evenings of the Charleston Jazz Festival will take place at the Charleston Music Hall. This converted historic train station venue provides the perfect setting for international headliners René Marie and Experiment in Truth (April 19th), Joshua Redman Group (April 19th), Preservation Hall Jazz Band (April 20th), and the Arturo O'Farrill Latin Jazz Quintet (April 20th). Patrons can enjoy a drink and refreshments during the shows (available for purchase at the bar), and there are plenty of pre-show and post-show dining options just steps away. Audience members agree that there really isn't a bad seat in the house at Charleston Music Hall.

The Charleston Jazz Festival finale will take place on Sunday, April 21st, at Firefly Distillery. This is the perfect day to gather your friends and family and bring your blankets and lawn chairs to this popular outdoor venue in North Charleston. Your ticket gets you in for the pre-show with the Charleston Jazz Academy, the opening act with the modern latin vibes of the Abdiel Iriarte Experiment, and Charleston favorite Charlton Singleton and his band Contemporary Flow. Food and beverages will be available for sale.

The Charleston Jazz Festival is made possible in part by the Medical University of South Carolina.

The Restoration Hotel is the official festival lodging partner.