And all that jazz 🎺

The history of jazz in Charleston

Visit Forte Jazz Lounge, inspired by New York-style jazz clubs. | Photo by @maxmelville1 via @chsjazzfans

Lend an ear, music lovers. We’re diving into the Holy City’s jazz scene — then and now. Keep reading for a brief local history and where to enjoy the music today.

How it started

Charleston’s jazz scene began around the mid to late 1800s, influenced by the Gullah Geechee community. Jenkins Orphanage Band, created by Rev. Daniel Jenkins, played a large part in the local and national jazz scene.

The band went on to play at the inaugural parades of Presidents Roosevelt and President Taft and perform for the Queen of England. The group produced artists such as Cat Anderson and Freddie Green.

Many additional jazz musicians came from the Holy City, including Chris Smith, Bertha Hill, and Charlton Singleton. You may recognize songs like “The Charleston” and “Charleston Rag” that were born of this genre.

Jenkins Orphanage Band began in the 1890s. | Edward Elcha, Percy Tappin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where to enjoy it

Forte Jazz Lounge: Inspired by New York-style jazz clubs, this King Street lounge offers performances by local musicians, touring acts, and Grammy winners.
The Commodore: Visit this vintage jazz club on Meeting Street that started in the 1980s featuring artists from across the nation.
Charleston Jazz Orchestra: This group of jazz musicians is set to perform throughout the year in 2023 at Charleston Music Hall.
Charleston Jazz Festival: This celebration of Charleston’s jazz heritage featuring international and local acts is scheduled for April 20-23 in 2023.
Charleston Jazz Academy: Interested in learning a jazz instrument? All ages can take classes with professional musicians and educators.

Enjoy the music, y’all.

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Monday, Feb. 20

An Evening with Sam Rae and Mike Kaufman | Monday, Feb. 20 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Fox Music House, 4248 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston | $20-$25 | Enjoy an evening of songs and stories with local musicians.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Blood Drive with FOX24 and 95SX | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | Free | Attendees receive a $10 Amazon gift card and a drawing entry for the chance to win a trip for two — sign up in advance to be a donor.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Disney’s Aladdin | Wednesday, Feb. 22-Sunday, Feb. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $53+ | Discover a whole new world during this hit Broadway musical.
Omakase Dinner | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Blu Oyster Sushi + Seafood, 1804 Crowne Commons Way, Johns Island | $110 | Dig into a six-course sushi dinner with a themed dessert and an optional sake pairing — spaces are limited.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

This restaurant has celebrity chefs cooking for a good cause 🧑‍🍳

A dining table at the Charleston Grill at Charleston Place.

Charleston Grill’s culinary team is collaborating with celebrity guest chefs during its Open Hands Community Kitchen series. | Photo provided by Beemok Hospitality Group

It’s thyme to give back, CHS. Charleston Grill at The Charleston Place has launched a new culinary series featuring one-of-a-kind dining experiences with celebrity guest chefs cooking for a cause.

The Open Hands Community Kitchen series kicks off Feb. 24-25 and will be lead by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Anthony. All proceeds benefit Feed the Need Charleston, a local organization committed to helping unhoused and disadvantaged community members.

Additional events and visiting chefs will be announced in the coming weeks. 👀 *

LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Weather

74º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 6:56 a.m.
Set: 6:11 p.m.

Tide

Low: 1:36 a.m. + 2:12 p.m.
High: 8:03 a.m. + 8:20 p.m.

Development

Zoning changes have been approved by the City of Charleston Planning Commission for a proposed luxury hotel on Meeting Street where the Days Inn used to be. The redevelopment project is expected to undergo further review by the city. (The Post and Courier)
Dorchester County is expected to gain two new libraries in the next year, with a branch set to open in North Charleston and another in the Oakbrook area of Summerville. 📚 (The Post and Courier)
Electric vehicle battery recycler Redwood Materials plans to be operating at its new site in Berkeley County by the end of 2023. This $3.5 billion project is expected to create 1,500 jobs over the next decade. 🔋 (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Real Estate

A bill was introduced this year in SC that would make local short-term rental bans illegal. A study found that these rentals have a $4.2 billion annual impact on our state economy. Stay tuned for updates. 🏘️ (WCSC)

Coming Soon

A new cafe on wheels has rolled into Park Circle. Following a soft launch this past weekend, Prophet Coffee plans to officially open on Wednesday, March 1 next to Nippitaty Distillery in North Charleston. ☕

Community

Voting is now open for Charleston City Paper’s “Best of Charleston 2023.” Nominate your favorite local businesses and organizations by Wednesday, March 8. 🗳️
Calling all young professionals with a passion for preservation and advocacy: Historic Charleston Foundation’s PreserVISIONist is hosting its first membership event, Oysters by the Battery on Thursday, Feb. 23. Pro tip: Members receive a discount on four events each year — plus, invitations to complimentary programming.*

Number

2,226. That’s how many pledges were made to keep pets vaccinated during Charleston Animal Society’s VAX-A-PALOOZA campaign over the weekend, breaking a Guinness World Record. 🐕 (WCSC)

Environment

PalmettoPride, a nonprofit that fights litter in SC, has awarded Dorchester County the 2023 Litter Crew Grant for $25,000. The county, which has gotten this grant since 2019, has removed 139+ tons of litter from its roads. Learn more.

Travel

Looking for a springtime island escape without the travel hassle? Stroll along Kiawah Island beach + have access to world-class amenities at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Enjoy spacious oceanfront resort villas with picturesque Lowcountry views. (Think: close to home — but worlds away.) *

Drink

We firmly believe any errand can be improved by treating yourself to a latte. These smoked beauties are available at Boxcar Coffee in Lowes Foods, so you can sip while you shop. ☕*

The Word

Baño. That’s Spanish for “bathroom” — something you’ll definitely need to know if you’re traveling to Central or South America this year, like 12% of our readers. Babbel’s easy, bite-sized lesson plans will ensure you know what to say when you have to go. (Read: Be talking like a local in as little as three weeks.) 🌏 *

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Looking ahead on King Street

Check out the senior living facility proposed for King Street

Take a look at The Peninsula of Charleston. | Rendering by LS3P and RAMSA

This senior living facility is expected to break ground next year on King Street. The Peninsula of Charleston is a proposed independent living residence at the intersection of King and Columbus streets, near The Post and Courier.

The upscale facility is set to feature 140+ residences and will be open to ages 62 and older. The Peninsula is expected to be completed in 2026.

LEARN MORE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: Popping in with some pop-up news. I heard Speed Rack — an all-women+ high-speed bartending competition — is hosting a public bar takeover at Proof on Saturday, March 4 at 9 p.m.

The best part? The event will raise money in the fight against breast cancer. Head to this King Street bar across from Halls Chophouse to support the cause.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Try these seven acts of kindness, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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