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On October 25, Tryon Fine Arts Center will be hopping as the Jazz ‘22 community outreach series kicks off with a free opening reception. The reception will include live jazz music, a meet and greet with the Series’ visual artist, and a free jazz documentary on the big screen – all made complete with delicious wine and hot popcorn. 

 

“Jazz ’22 was created as a celebration of an American genre of music. It’s designed to reach deeply into our community, engaging people in a variety of methods: music, visual arts, arts education, and film. Through our partnerships with schools and churches in the area we are hoping to entertain and educate residents of all demographics,” said Marianne Carruth, TFAC Executive Director. 

 

Charleston, SC-based award-winning musician, Quentin Baxter, seeded the development of the Jazz ’22 Series. “It is an absolute honor to be invited as an integral participant/collaborator in assisting Tryon Fine Arts Center manifest its goal(s) to creatively serve the community here in the Foothills and surrounding areas!” shared Quentin.

 

“Jazz is the great American art form and it’s gratifying to see our generous community stepping forward to make this project not only possible, but successful.” shared Scott Lane, TFAC Development Committee Chair. The Jazz’22 Series is being made possible by generous support from Jazz ’22 Patrons & Hosts, Kirby Endowment at Polk County Community Foundation, Baxter Music Enterprises, a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, NC Arts Council, Polk County Schools, Tryon Resort and WNCW.

 

On Saturday, October 29, the series continues with a free Masterclass in Jazz & Etiquette for 30 area high school students from 12 – 4 p.m. The session combines Baxter’s knowledge and skills with the up-and-coming jazz group, The Gardening Club and etiquette instructor Tatia Adams-Fox with a 3-course catered meal, creating a memorable afternoon for our area youth. A community jazz concert follows featuring the 7-member band The Gardening Club on TFAC’s Veh Main Stage at 4 p.m. The concert is free for students and $10 for adults.

 

The following day, Sunday, October 30, Jazz ’22 hosts a concert at the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church on Pea Ridge Road in Rutherfordton, in partnership with the church and coordinated by Committee member, Melvin Cox. The Hymns & Spirituals Collective, including Baxter and the band of truly amazing musicians, will share the sounds of jazz as they explore the depth, beauty and soul of sacred music in this free concert. A reception for the community follows the concert, sponsored by Tryon Resort. Tickets for the free event are limited and available by emailing sharol@tryonarts.org.  

 

From November 1 through early January, two Jazz ’22 exhibits will be offered. On November 1, the month-long Jazz ’22 StoryWalk created by the NC Arts Council and Polk County Schools opens in Stearns Park in Columbus. The outdoor exhibit offers an educational stroll for viewers to learn about some of the jazz greats from North Carolina. 

 

In mid-November, visual arts and cinematic arts come to TFAC as visual artist Marsha Hammel continues her jazz series “The Riff” with new works. This lush, vibrant exhibit opens in TFAC’s JP Gallery on Thursday, November 10 with a free reception at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, November 13, two jazz films will be offered on the big screen. At 2 p.m., Round Midnight brilliantly captures the essence of the musicians and the mood and life of jazz. And, at 4 p.m., Miles Ahead – a biopic Roger Ebert described in his movie review as a film full of textures, sounds, colors and bravado – about musician Miles Davis played by Don Cheadle, zeroes in on Miles’ fallow period in the late 1970s with surprising flashbacks that will jolt you through his past. Tickets are $8 for one film or $15 for both films.

 

Later in the month, TFAC hosts an Elegant Evening of Jazz on November 19 in the Pavilion. The Fundraiser will feature a classic jazz supper club décor and libations with delicious food by Table 301, dancing to the sounds of The Quentin Baxter Quintet, a live sketch by artist, Marsha Hammel and a live auction. Contact TFAC for details.

 

And, on Sunday, November 20 at 1 p.m., the events portion of the series ends with a Jazz Brunch featuring Jazz ’22 All Stars, a scrumptious brunch by Tryon Resort and bubbly libations. Tickets are $25 each. 

 

“The Jazz ’22 Committee has done a fine job of creating a stellar menu of options, from educational to entertaining, that will appeal to both long-time and what may become new fans of jazz music.” shared TFAC Board President, Bob Penfold.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.tryonarts.org/events or call TFAC at 828-859-8322, Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m

 

 

 

Submitted by Debra Torrence.