Jazz Legacy with Justin Varnes: The Music of Charlie Parker

About this show

Craft cocktails and small plates begin at 5:00 pm. Middle C Jazz has General Admission seating available on a first-come basis. We also offer preferred seating for our Baby Grand members. For information regarding our Baby Grand Membership click here. Justin Varnes Jazz Legacy Project interprets the music of jazz legends while intertwining their stories with the historical moments that shaped them. This month, we bring to life the music and influences of saxophonist Charlie Parker. "The Einstein of Modern Music" Parker's rare combination of genius and persistence created a turning point in modern music. A kid who grew up on Kansas City blues helped turn jazz from a dance hall craze to music that belongs next to Bach. Similar to Louis Armstrong, music would never be the same after "Bird." JUSTIN VARNES JAZZ LEGACY PROJECT WEBSITE WATCH Created in 2015 after an epiphany, bandleader and Jazz History teacher Justin Varnes ditched the traditional textbook in favor of playing records and telling stories about the artists to college students. It turns out, telling an artist's stories is a compelling way to enhance a live performance, as well. But it's more than just offering insight into what to listen for when listening to jazz, it's also woven into American history - as jazz itself is. Many movements in jazz are a direct result of cultural shifts in America, and connecting an artist's music to a time or an event in history can open up a new world when listening to it. In it's second year at Middle C Jazz, The Jazz Legacy Project has an ongoing residency at the Velvet Note jazz club in Atlanta, where they have been selling out their performances for 6 years and counting. Featuring musicians: Justin Varnes - Drums and Narration Noel Freidline - Piano and Keyboard John Sandfort - Tenor Saxophone Kevin Smith - Acoustic Bass