SC Public Radio, in partnership with the ColaJazz Foundation, the University of South Carolina Press and the Koger Center for the Arts, will host A Celebration of the Music of Marian McPartland in honor of the late national jazz legend. The special concert event will be held on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia.
The concert, honoring the 105th birthday of jazz legend Marian McPartland, will pay tribute to her remarkable legacy as both a musician and the cherished host of SC Public Radio's former national production of NPR's Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. Along with winning a Peabody Award, the show was NPR’s longest-running jazz music program. The program was broadcast from 1978 to 2011 and consisted of discussion and playing, often with McPartland. Featured guests included Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, Mary Lou Williams, Shirley Horn, Steely Dan Milt Hinton, Kenny Burrell, Lionel Hampton and Les McCann.
The evening will feature a jazz trio, McPartland's favorite ensemble, performing her compositions along with works by the jazz greats who influenced her musical journey. The performances at this event will also be recorded for use in a special episode of SC Public Radio’s ColaJazz Presents later this year spotlighting McPartland.
A complimentary Dream Tree Wines tasting will begin at 7 p.m. with brand developer Michael Rawl introducing Dreaming Tree Rose and Sauvignon Blanc. Dreaming Tree Wines is a partnership between musician Dave Matthews and winemaker Grayson Stewart, combining Matthews’ passion for music and the artistry of winemaking.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Koger Center for the Arts website.
QUOTES
“We are honored to pay tribute to Marian McPartland, a true icon of jazz whose influence continues to resonate across generations. Through her groundbreaking work on NPR's Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz, Marian brought the joy of jazz music into countless homes, and her legacy remains a guiding light for us at South Carolina ETV and Public Radio. This special concert and partnership not only celebrates Marian's remarkable contributions to the world of music but also underscores our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of jazz in South Carolina and beyond.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"Marian McPartland's contributions to jazz are immeasurable, and we are honored to celebrate her enduring legacy through this special concert. Her influence continues to inspire musicians and jazz enthusiasts worldwide, and we invite everyone to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music." –SC Public Radio Director Sean Birch
“Marian was a trailblazer and a formidable talent that rivals any of the most celebrated jazz musicians. She was an authority of the music and possessed the rare desire to uplift and celebrate her peers week in and week out on her radio show. Our statewide radio show ColaJazz Presents. with her former producer, Shari Hutchinson, at the helm, in a small way follows in her profound footsteps. The concert on March 20 will feature one of the greatest talents on piano that has come out of South Carolina, Jonathan Lovett. Along with two tremendous musicians on bass, Reggie Sullivan, and Kristopher Phelps on drums, they will make Marian proud note after note.” –ColaJazz Executive Director Marp Rapp
FAST FACTS
- SC Public Radio, in partnership with the ColaJazz Foundation, the University of South Carolina Press and the Koger Center for the Arts, will host A Celebration of the Music of Marian McPartland on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia.
- This concert, honoring the 105th birthday of jazz legend Marian McPartland, will pay tribute to her remarkable legacy as both a musician and the cherished host of SC Public Radio's former national production of NPR's Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz.
- For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Koger Center for the Arts website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
About ColaJazz Foundation
The ColaJazz Foundation is a 2021 Governor Award winning community-minded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. ColaJazz serves through cultural enrichment making our capital city and South Carolina a premiere jazz destination in the southeast. ColaJazz brings world-renowned jazz educators and performers face to face with our students and the public offering diverse and exciting experiences!
About the Koger Center for the Arts
As the gateway to the vista, the capital city's vibrant hub of dining and entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts stands out as Columbia's premier center for the performing arts.
As a cultural destination for audiences seeking diverse experiences in a lively and dynamic setting, the Koger Center features several local arts groups including the Columbia City Ballet, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and the Columbia Classical Ballet. With the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center hosts performances by both the USC Dance Department and the School of Music, including the USC Symphony Orchestra. The Koger Center is proud to also be the home of Broadway In Columbia, bringing the best of world-class productions to Columbia!
Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337