Jazz Tones

Jonathan Butler is in town May 22 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center as part of the Jazz Roots Series, performing with David Sanborn.  The South African guitar and vocal artist is known across the globe for his music and his spirituality.

Jay Edwards will talk with Butler about his music, his influences, and what fans and newbies alike can expect at the May 22 performance.

In advance of Hugh Masekela's performance tonight at The Rialto Center For the Performing Arts downtown,  Jay Edwards will be focusing on the South African horn player, composer, singer and legend on Jazz Tones between 2p-6p.

Masekela celebrated his 74th birthday this weekend.  Tickets are still available, check here for more information.

Drummer E. C.  Coleman will be a featured performer at Atlanta's upcoming annual Jazz Festival.  He'll stop by on Jazz Tones with Jay Edwards this afternoon. 

In between you can be sure to hear the greatest and the latest in mainstream jazz and latin rhythms that will put pep in your step on your Saturday.

Don't miss today's musical journey on Jazz Tones, 2p-6p Saturday afternoons on Jazz 91.9 FM, The Jazz Of The City.

Atlanta Jazz Festival information here.

Jay Edwards chatted with playwright and musician Jacqueline Clay Chester on Jazz Tones Saturday.  Ms. Chester's play A Conversation Between Malcolm X and President Obama: A One Act Play,  will be performed  at the Southwest Arts Center March 15-17 at 8pm.

Chester's play suggests its plot in the title, with Malcom's ghost appearing in the White House and the conversation that ensues between these two transformative African American leaders.

Amiri Baraka is one of the most recognized and lauded writers and poets of his generation, and one of the most widely respected and published African American writers this side of James Baldwin.

Baraka was in Atlanta and at Clark Atlanta University for the CAU History Department's W. E. B. Du Bois and the Wings Of Atlanta 50th Anniversary Commemorative Conference.

Baraka stopped in to chat with Jay Edwards about the challenges faced by all of those in Africa and throughout the African Diaspora.

Captivating jazz vocalist and six-time Grammy nominee Nnenna Freelon celebrates Lena Horne in an evening of song and story set against the backdrop of Lena Horne’s 92-year life and legacy. The recipient of numerous international honors, Freelon has earned a global fan base for her performances and recordings.  Freelon is at the Ferst Center at Georgia Tech Saturday night, February 23 at 8pm.

The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences.  Their annual conferences bring together musicians, students, educators and jazz authorities for four days of performances, seminars and informal opportunities for those just starting out in jazz music to mingle and learn from those who have made a lifetime of it.