A limited number of festival passes are on sale now for the premiere multi-day jazz festival headed to the Queen City this spring, featuring the critically-acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis. Sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation, Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016 will take place April 22-23, 2016, at Levine Center for the Arts in uptown Charlotte.
“The idea of a jazz festival in Charlotte has been a longtime dream for us, and after partnering with Lonnie Davis and Jazz Arts Initiative to test the waters in 2014, we knew it was time to make this big,” said Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on board. We are confident this will be a weekend jazz fans won’t forget.”
Festival goers can catch intimate club performances featuring quality talent throughout the weekend, as well as a dinner and happy hours. Other events include a second line parade, youth jazz competition, workshops where kids can get hands on instruction and much more.
A limited number of festival passes are available for purchase. The festival passes provide prime seating to main stage performances at Knight Theater and include admission to five intimate performances in other Levine Center for the Arts locations. The intimate shows also include brunch, dessert and dinner selections. Passes are available in gold, silver and bronze levels tiered by seating location and the number of main stage performances included. Visit BlumenthalArts.org for complete details and pricing.
Tickets that are currently on sale are for packages only. Single tickets will be on sale to the public at a later date.
The Leon Levine Foundation has signed on as a presenting sponsor of the Charlotte Jazz Festival 2016. Executive Director, Tom Lawrence, says, “We are delighted to partner with Blumenthal Performing Arts on this project. The multi-day community event led by the vision of Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will have it all: concerts, classes, exhibits, panel discussions, free performances and more. It’s cultural programs like the Charlotte Jazz Festival that help brighten our city and make it such a special place.”
ABOUT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and North Carolina Arts Council. Blumenthal Performing Arts is also supported by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights.
ABOUT THE LEON LEVINE FOUNDATION
Founded by entrepreneur and businessman, Leon Levine, The Leon Levine Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to improving the human condition in the areas of education, healthcare and human services as well as building Jewish identity and strengthening Jewish communities. The Foundation seeks to create permanent, measurable, life-changing impact by investing in organizations with highly effective leadership, a track record of success and a focus on sustainability.