I am overcome with pride and gratitude for the prestigious honor JazzArts Charlotte earned in receiving Charlotte Center City’s 2022 Vision Award. It was icing on the cake to see our own JazzArts Youth Ensemble on the stage performing for the event, showcasing the impact of what we do. I continue to receive extended congratulations from our JazzArts friends, non-profit/business partners, and supporters/donors and prospects.

I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to each of you who helped JazzArts Charlotte get to this point, and achieve this level of excellence. We do not take this accomplishment lightly.

County Commissioner George Dunlap introduced the JazzArts Charlotte’s award with his view of what it takes to create “a community of choice”, where people know they are respected. It’s gratifying to know that this value comes through: at the heart of everything we do is a commitment to make music accessible, to drive a thriving, inclusive community. “Creating one plus one equals three opportunities in the community,” pointed out keynote speaker Economist James Lima.

Like our 10th anniversary rebrand and other memorable moments in our organizational history, the Vision Award milestone signifies our next level of growth, community impact, and excellence. We have emerged from these past two years with new programs, new capabilities, and an expanded staff to support education. It is fitting to consider this a marker of a new era for JazzArts Charlotte. It’s not what it is today, but what it can be,” said Darrel Williams, award honoree and founding partner of Neighborhood Concepts. I believe we are on the path to being a Charlotte arts “institution”.

Although I physically accepted the award, collectively, you are the reason.
Thank you.
Lonnie Davis