Charleston will celebrate jazz for a week starting April 13 with sounds born of collision and conversation — blues feeling, brass-band swagger and fearless improvisation.
This year’s edition of the Charleston Jazz Festival features tributes to Nina Simone and Art Blakey. Fusion guitar icon Al Di Meola will unplug with his Acoustic Quartet. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will collaborate with Grammy-winning Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Perez. And that’s just a taste of what’s ahead in performances with performances at Charleston Music Hall, Simons Recital Hall, the Charleston Jazz Academy, Fox Music House and more.
“Jazz is one of the clearest examples of the American story,” Charleston Jazz Director of Performance Brent Swaney said in a recent interview. “It’s America’s original art form, born from cities like Charleston and New Orleans. This week is about freedom of expression in jazz music.”
Swaney added that tickets are selling faster than anticipated.
Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 Charleston Jazz Festival lineup:
Ann Caldwell and LooseFitt Jazz Ensemble. This Charleston-based collective led by powerhouse vocalist Ann Caldwell blends jazz with gospel, soul and R&B into a high-energy, deeply rooted sound. More: 5 p.m. April 13, The Establishment, 28 Broad St. Tickets are $190 and include a three-course dinner. charlestonjazz.com
The College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble. Five of Charleston’s most celebrated jazz musicians come together for a rare quintet performance. More: 6:30 p.m. April 14, Simons Recital Hall, 54 St. Philip St. Tickets are $9-$19. charlestonmusichall.com
The Alfredo Rodriguez Trio. Cuban-born pianist Alfredo Rodriguez showcases virtuosic technique and emotive storytelling, joined by Munir Hossn on guitar and bass and Michael Olivera on percussion. More: 6:30 p.m. April 15, Simons Recital Hall, 54 St. Philip St. Tickets are $14-$50. charlestonjazz.com
Jazz Messengers — A tribute to Art Blakey. A propulsive ensemble honoring the powerful drummer who led fiery hard-bop groups well into his 70s. More: 5 p.m. April 16, American Theater, 446 King St. Tickets are $30-$50. charlestonjazz.com
The Al Di Meola Acoustic Quartet: “The Guitarchitect.” A refined concert experience uniting five decades of music, multimedia visuals and the stories behind a lifetime of artistry. More: 6:30 p.m. April 17, Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tickets are $30-$75. charlestonmusichall.com
Tribute to Nina Simone — Rebel with a cause. A salute to the “High Priestess of Soul,” who reshaped jazz, soul, classical and protest music with a voice that could soothe and scorch in equal measure. More: 7 p.m. April 16, American Theater, 446 King St. Tickets are $30-$50. charlestonjazz.com
Global Connections: Danilo Perez and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. This is expected to be a highlight of the festival. Grammy Award winner Danilo Perez brings his visionary blend of Pan-American jazz to a collaboration with South Carolina’s premier jazz orchestra. More: 4 p.m. April 18, Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tickets are $10-$72. charlestonmusichall.com
The Herlin Riley Quartet and Gullah Collective. A collaboration celebrating the musical heritage of Charleston and New Orleans. The Gullah Collective honors Gullah Geechee traditions of the Sea Islands through ancestral rhythms and storytelling. More. 4 p.m. April 19, Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tickets are $45-$50. charlestonmusichall.com
Herlin Riley Masterclass. A free, open-to-the-public session with the acclaimed percussionist, offering rhythm, stories and musical insight up close. More: 5 p.m. April 20, Charleston Jazz Academy, 3005 W. Montague Ave., Suite 200. Free.
Rhythm and Flow: America’s Story at 250. The festival closes with a panel discussion and performance exploring how jazz reflects the American experience as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary. More: 5 p.m. April 21, Fox Music House, 4248 Dorchester Road, North Charleston. Free. foxmusichouse.com
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