Local jazz initiative wins grant

The Humanities Council of South Carolina has awarded a $6,750 grant to the Charleston Jazz Initiative to help fund the work of several internationally regarded jazz historians, musicians and scholars who will participate in the CJI's Legends Festival, a presentation of the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

CJI's co-founder Dr. Karen Chandler, an associate professor of arts management in the College of Charleston School of the Arts, will serve as the project director for the grant. She and colleague Jack McCray are producers of the Legends Festival, working with a 30-member group of Charleston arts and cultural leaders.

"We're excited to plan our legends festival to honor these jazz musicians and pleased that the Humanities Council will help to bring greater recognition to the history of jazz in South Carolina," says Chandler.

Many musicians earned their chops in the Palmetto State, including those at Charleston's Jenkins Orphanage.

The Legends Festival will showcase these musicians' relationships with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and others leaders who filled their bands with South Carolina players.

Festival programs will share musicians' stories and anecdotes, examining the influence of historical, cultural, educational and economic forces on their personal lives and professional careers.

The CJI Legends Festival is part of the School of the Arts' 20th anniversary celebration.

For information about the festival or to become a sponsor, contact Chandler at chandlerk@cofc.edu, karen@charlestonjazz.net or 953-5474.