Charlotte’s Jazz Scene Thrives as JazzArts Cultivates Musical Community

Charlotte Jazz Scene Gains Momentum with JazzArts

In the heart of Charlotte, something magical unfolds each month at the Stage Door Theater. Inside the Jazz Room, jazz lovers gather to enjoy soulful melodies by talented musicians. This month, the spotlight shone on the Emmet Cohen Trio, gearing up for another unforgettable evening.

The Warm-Up

Two hours before showtime, the air buzzes with anticipation as the band conducts a casual soundcheck. At the grand Steinway piano, Emmet Cohen effortlessly plays a familiar tune from West Side Story. His rhythm section, a testament to their camaraderie, follows his improvisational riffs with unwavering enthusiasm. Drummer Joe Farnsworth takes a break mid-play not to catch his breath but to straighten his necktie, a charming scene that highlights the blend of casual and classy jazz vibes.

As the trio tunes up, Lonnie Davis, the energetic president and CEO of JazzArts, is seen flitting around the venue, greeting staff and checking in on the lighting and sound. Sporting a tank top and glittery flip-flops, she embodies the casual hustle that makes this space thrive. “She does it all here,” Cohen remarks post-soundcheck, giving a nod to Davis’ commitment to bringing vibrant jazz to Charlotte. “The only downside? I’m running out of new songs to learn!”

Roots and Rise of JazzArts

After the show, Davis and I sit down to discuss her impressive journey with JazzArts, which she founded 15 years ago. Growing up, she developed an early love for music, picking up the flute in fifth grade. “I was a drum major, band captain,” she recalls, “and I could play by ear like it was second nature.” This innate talent led her to the jazz department at the prestigious New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Though surrounded by budding professionals, it wasn’t until then that she realized jazz flute was a real thing, sparking her ambition.

Despite her average student status and her mother’s hopes for a medical career, Davis opted for a life committed to jazz performance. However, uncertain encouragement from her professor, Ellis Marsalis, shifted her path. “Maybe he was trying to hint I could contribute to jazz in different ways,” she reflects, noting her subsequent switch to psychology.

A New Chapter in Charlotte

In 2005, hurricanes urged an unexpected move, and Davis found herself settling in Charlotte. As she and her family searched for a vibrant community, they discovered an unexpected challenge: a lack of recognition for the local jazz scene. “In New Orleans, musicians are celebrated,” she explains, comparing it to Charlotte’s more subdued appreciation for the arts. She knew something had to change.

JazzArts: Bridging the Gap

Starting JazzArts wasn’t without its hurdles. Davis candidly shares, “It’s about convincing the average Charlottean that jazz is essential to this city.” With historical figures like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane linked to the Carolinas, she’s determined to integrate jazz into the fabric of the city’s culture.

Though Davis’s determination has grown the audience over the years, it didn’t come easy. The aftermath of the pandemic brought fresh challenges, but it also ignited the community’s openness to explore new styles. “Our audiences are diverse and willing to engage,” she smiles.

Educating Through Experience

The vision for JazzArts extends beyond concerts. With a commitment to education, their various programs nurture young talent. The youth ensemble, Nuestro Tiempo, integrates dance and improvisation, preparing kids to perform on notable stages. “Kids learn not just the music, but how it connects to their cultures,” Davis enthuses, proud of the bridge they’re building between education and performance.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her ambitious beginnings, Davis admits to underestimating the time needed for growth. “We envisioned reaching a million-dollar budget in five years,” she admits, smiling at the reality of their current $1.3 million. What’s vital, she emphasizes, is the legacy and longevity of jazz, not just for Charlotte, but for everyone who appreciates this quintessential American art form.

With a mix of passion and a drive for innovation, Davis leads JazzArts in a mission to keep jazz alive and flourishing in Charlotte. While challenges remain, the camaraderie among musicians, the enthusiastic audience, and an educational focus create a hopeful rhythm that promises to resonate through the city for years to come.