Bebop on down to the S.C. Jazz Festival in Cheraw!
The historic town of Cheraw, South Carolina, honors its famous native son, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie at the South Carolina Jazz Festival October 17-20.
Born in 1917, Gillespie was a founder of modern jazz, an innovative trumpeter known for his bent horn, bulging cheeks and sense of humor. Gillespie, who was famous around the world, almost always opened his performances with “I’m Dizzy Gillespie from Chee-raw, South Carolina.”
The festival offers more than 20 regional artists from the Carolinas performing in venues ranging from restaurants, churches and parks to downtown streets. Headliners include Charlton Singleton, artistic director and band leader of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and soloist Jaimee Paul. A Bebop parade, early and late night jazz at restaurants, a Madonnari-Southern style chalk competition, kids’ activities, Dizzy’s birthday party and more attract locals and tourists eager to experience top quality jazz and soak up the history of a musical legend. The event kicks off Thursday with Evening Jazz on the Green, a free street party.
Tickets are $25 for a single evening pass, which includes the featured concert on Friday or Saturday evening, and $49 for a two-day weekend pass, which includes both concerts. Many other events are free and family-friendly. Visit the S.C. Jazz Festival website for a complete schedule.
For additional information, call (843) 537-8420 ext. 12.