Charleston Jazz invites the community to celebrate 18 years of jazz, education, and community impact at What a Wonderful World, the organization’s annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Grand, 81 Mary St. in Charleston.
Inspired by the enduring legacy of Louis Armstrong, this year’s gala celebrates one of jazz’s greatest icons and his belief that music has the power to educate, inspire, and change lives. Armstrong’s lifelong commitment to supporting young musicians continues to influence jazz education today, and that same mission lives on through Charleston Jazz.
Guests will enjoy an exuberant evening at one of Charleston’s newest event spaces, featuring a seated dinner, curated live auction, the presentation of the Tip of the Hat Award, and live jazz throughout the evening. The night’s centerpiece will be a Louis Armstrong-inspired performance by internationally acclaimed trumpeter Bruce Harris, alongside Charleston Jazz Orchestra musicians and the next generation of jazz artists from the Charleston Jazz Academy.
VIP guests are invited to begin the evening with an opening toast featuring special performances and a meet-and-greet with Bruce Harris, as well as premier seating, table-side wine service and premier recognition throughout the evening. New this year, all guests are invited to close out the celebration with a jazz-inspired afterparty featuring live music and dancing.
Dress: Cocktail attire encouraged, black tie optional.
Honoring Dr. Al Fraser
Each year, Charleston Jazz presents its Tip of the Hat Award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the jazz community. This year, the organization is honored to recognize Charleston native Dr. Al Fraser, a distinguished folklorist, historian, and djembe artist.
Dr. Fraser is best known for co-authoring the acclaimed 1979 autobiography To Be, or Not...to Bop with legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. His work has helped preserve and share the stories, history, and cultural traditions that surround jazz, making him a fitting recipient of an award dedicated to honoring those who have made a lasting impact on the art form and its community.
Music With a Purpose
As the only nonprofit organization in the Charleston area dedicated exclusively to making jazz accessible for young people to learn, perform, and experience, Charleston Jazz is helping preserve America’s original art form while equipping students with skills that extend far beyond music.
Through jazz education and outreach, students build confidence, creativity, collaboration, and discipline, along with a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised at the gala directly supports Charleston Jazz’s education and outreach programs, helping provide opportunities for young people to discover their voices through music.
“What a Wonderful World” is more than an evening of celebration; it is an opportunity to invest in the future of jazz and the young people who will carry its legacy forward.
Whether you're a devoted jazz fan, a supporter of arts education, or simply looking for a memorable evening that gives back to the community, What a Wonderful World promises an inspiring celebration of music with purpose.
Tickets are available at charlestonjazz-bloom.
About Bruce Harris
Bruce Harris is a dynamic trumpeter, bandleader, and educator celebrated for his fresh approach to the traditions of bebop. He has performed internationally as a bandleader and alongside many of jazz’s leading artists. As Program Director at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Harris carries Armstrong’s legacy forward through performance, mentorship, and jazz education.
Charleston Jazz is proud to welcome Harris as its 2026 Musician-in-Residence and to feature him at What a Wonderful World alongside the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and Charleston Jazz Academy students.
About Dr. Al Fraser
Dr. Al Fraser is a Charleston native and distinguished folklorist, historian, and djembe artist dedicated to preserving the cultural and jazz heritage of Charleston and the Lowcountry. He is best known for co-authoring To Be, or Not…to Bop, the 1979 autobiography of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. His work has helped document, preserve, and share the stories, traditions, and musical heritage that have shaped the Lowcountry.
About Charleston Jazz
Charleston Jazz is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz in Charleston and beyond. Through performances, education programs, and community outreach, Charleston Jazz inspires audiences and nurtures the next generation of jazz artists.