May 2019 — JazzArts Charlotte wins Charlotte Magazine BOB Award 2nd year in a row, and third year in total, for its monthly JAZZ ROOM shows. Over these years, the winning category has ranged from nonprofit arts recognition to simply a great place to go. This year’s award, however, is especially meaningful.

“It is a banner year for JazzArts Charlotte,” smiles Lonnie Davis, JazzArts Charlotte CEO and cofounder. “It is amazing that we are celebrate our 10th year in this community, and the community is celebrating along with us by honoring the organization.”

Charlotte Magazine publishes its Best of the Best (BOB) Awards to help Charlotteans navigate the growing options for dining, shopping, wellness, and entertainment around the city. Categories include Eat, Play, Explore, Live, and Shop. “It’s exciting to be among a list of such fantastic Charlotte cultural and entertainment picks,” says Lonnie.

Charlotte Magazine describes the JAZZ ROOM: “Jazz, even at its most frenetic, has always been romantic. In the dimly lit, cozy auditorium, the quartet bops along. Couples scoot closer, sipping cocktails from the bar. This concert series, organized by the nonprofit [JazzArts Charlotte], presents tributes to such jazz greats as John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. You don’t have to know a lot about the genre to appreciate the concerts. And at $15 a ticket, becoming a regular isn’t a problem, either.”

“They’ve captured what we are trying to do with the JAZZ ROOM.” Founders Lonnie and Ocie Davis, originally from New Orleans, seek to recreate that jazz club ambiance and share their passion for the music. As a nonprofit, they strive to make the price accessible by engaging sponsors that allow them to offset costs.

JazzArts Charlotte (formerly Jazz Arts initiative) just rebranded in recognition of its 10-year milestone. The name changed to represent the stability of its presence and strength of the jazz organization’s impact on the community. Essentially, the BOB award says it all – a cultural mainstay. Interestingly, it adds “unappreciated” to the title, identifying the organization’s desire to continue to grow in awareness and programs.

Visit www.charlottemagazine.com to look through the full list of winners. To check out this jazz cultural mainstay yourself, visit www.thejazzarts.org. Both are great ways to plan out your next weekend.

Coming up next in the JAZZ ROOM

May 23 (THURS) JazzArts All-Stars Youth Ensemble: Blues, Bebop & Beyond
Friday May 24 & Saturday May 25 Sean Mason Trio plays the cool jazz music of Ahmad Jamal