News Summary
Chattanooga is set to host the inaugural Jazz Futures event at Songbirds, featuring an open jam session aimed at revitalizing the local jazz scene. Led by local bassist Dakari Kelly, the event promotes community engagement and collaboration among musicians of all skill levels. Jazz Futures invites attendees to showcase their talent while supporting future community initiatives with optional donations. Scheduled for May 20, the event emphasizes an interactive experience and aims to shape a sustainable jazz community in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is set to welcome a new jazz event designed to enhance the local music scene. The Jazz Futures event will take place this Thursday evening at Songbirds, offering a unique blend of live performance and immersive education. The event highlights the revitalization of jazz music in the area and is aimed at bringing together enthusiasts, musicians, and the community at large.
Hosted by Dakari Kelly, a celebrated bassist and local talent, Jazz Futures is expected to draw participants of all ages and skill levels. Kelly, known for his collaborations with renowned artists such as Rick Rushing, Deacon Blues, and Kofi Mawuko, is passionate about fostering a love for jazz and creating a space for collaborative artistry.
The event is an open jam session, allowing aspiring musicians the opportunity to take the stage alongside experienced performers. Jazz Futures encourages community engagement by inviting attendees to showcase their skills while celebrating the rich tradition of jazz music. Admission to the event is free, but attendees are encouraged to make donations to support future community-led initiatives.
Scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 8 PM, Jazz Futures aims to shape a sustainable local network that ensures the vitality of jazz in Chattanooga. In recent years, there has been a notable effort to revive the jazz scene in the city, and events like Jazz Futures are central to this renaissance. By providing a platform for collaboration and education, Kelly hopes to inspire a new generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.
Over the last decade, Kelly has made significant contributions to the music community, not just in Chattanooga, but also on a national scale as he tours with hip hop artist BbyMutha as her DJ. His experience and commitment to music and community make him a fitting leader for this event.
The goal of Jazz Futures extends beyond a one-time event; it seeks to build an ongoing community around jazz. Unlike traditional concerts, the event emphasizes interaction and participation, hoping to demystify jazz music and make it accessible to all. This approach not only fosters talent but also enhances the audience’s appreciation for the genre.
As part of the initiative to encourage participation, the open jam format means that anyone from a seasoned musician to a curious newcomer can take part. This inclusivity is intended to break barriers and create a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees, promoting a sense of community within a genre that has historically brought people together.
In conclusion, Jazz Futures at Songbirds represents an exciting opportunity for musicians and jazz lovers in Chattanooga. By supporting local artists and encouraging collaborative performances, this event has the potential to significantly impact the local music scene and establish a vibrant community of jazz enthusiasts. Anyone looking to join in on this celebration of jazz is invited to attend and participate in what promises to be an engaging and enriching experience.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Chattanoogan – Upcoming Events
- Chattanoogan – Upcoming Events
- WDEF – Miller Park Music Festival
- Wikipedia: Jazz
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
