Imagine how much less stressful your Friday evening commute would be if you could unwind with some jazz after work. Thanks to a continuing partnership with The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), JazzArts Charlotte is bringing back Ride with the Music, a free concert series featuring local performers at various CATS locations on Friday evenings from October 13 through November 3.
“JazzArts Charlotte is thrilled to once again partner with CATS for the return of its Ride with the Music program,” JazzArts President and CEO Lonnie Davis said. “Charlotte has an active jazz scene and a growing pool of local musical talent. This unique collaboration gives commuters and passersby the opportunity to hear some of Charlotte’s top jazz musicians. It’s a fabulous way to kick off the fall season by sharing some of the region’s best and brightest jazz talent as you head into your weekend.”
Ride with the Music will feature 4 exciting live jazz performances. It starts with Troy Conn, a jazz, classical, and rock guitarist who has been performing and instructing jazz for over two decades. In addition to his Charlotte-based jazz bands – the Conn/Davis Duo, Ron Brendle Quartet, Al Sergal IVtet, and Jazz Is Led – he plays with numerous touring artists, and most recently played with The Platters. Drummer Tim Scott Jr., who toured the world with Grammy Award-winning North Carolina group The Foreign Exchange and is the Artist in Residence at Charlotte Center City Partners, brings his group in for a welcome mid-October break. Our own JazzArts All-Star Youth Ensemble will introduce commuters to some of the best emerging jazz musicians in Charlotte. Rounding out the series will be the Geoff Clapp Quartet. Geoff has played and collaborated with the best jazz musicians in America, including artists from the Marsalis family. Geoff’s energetic drumming is no secret to JazzArts fans, who have regularly heard his mix of “heady New York and soulful New Orleans” at performances and events.
Check the schedule below for dates and locations to jazz up your commute home this fall. We’ll share more details on our social media accounts leading up to the performances.

FALL 2023 SCHEDULE:
October 13, 5-7PM at 36th Street Station
Troy Conn Group
October 20, 5-7PM at JW Clay Station
Tim Scott Group
October 27, 5-7PM at 7th Street Station
JazzArts All-Star Youth Ensemble
November 3, 5-7PM at Bland Street Station
Geoff Clapp Quartet