This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Jazzing Up for Jazz on the Lawn

Five jazz headliners perform in popular summer series that starts Friday at Callanwolde

Those lazy, hazy days of summer are about to get jazzy.

Now that June is here, that means the Jazz on the Lawn series is about to kick up again at . This marks the 12th summer for the series. Look forward to a nicely balanced lineup of five Friday evening outdoor concerts, with the first this week and the final on August 12.

The series begins at 7:30pm Friday with the soulful, high-energy sounds of Atlanta saxophone artist Nick Longo and his jazz ensemble.

Find out what's happening in Virginia Highland-Druid Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It is such a nice ambiance,” Longo says of performing at Jazz on the Lawn. “Doing a concert in a beautifully kept place like this warms everyone’s hearts.”

The beautiful place, of course, is the expansive lawn in front of the Gothic-Tudor mansion that was built in 1920 as the home of Coca-Cola heir Charles Howard Candler. Saved from demolition by concerned citizens in the early 1970s, the mansion and its 12.5 acres are now devoted to cultural and artistic pursuits — from poetry and pottery to storytelling and dance (even “Tango Nights”). Callanwolde also offers a bounty of summer camps for youngsters.

Find out what's happening in Virginia Highland-Druid Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jazz on the Lawn is a chance to enjoy a warm summer evening with your family, friends, or that certain someone.

“I always look forward to the outdoor concert series,” said Susan Summers, arts events director for Callanwolde. “The whole idea is for it to  be as simple as it can be — with great musicians to enjoy. Please come and just unwind from the week. Enjoy the sun sets.”

Each summer, the goal is to bring an eclectic array of jazz artists and styles, from classic and contemporary, to swing, fusion, Latin-influenced jazz and bluesy jazz.

Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic supper and a bottle of wine or other refreshments. (Food is not sold on the premises). Be sure to toss in a blanket or lawn chairs. If there’s rain, the concert is moved to Callanwolde’s indoor courtyard).

All concerts begin at 7:30pm on Fridays. Here’s the lineup for Jazz on the Lawn 2011:

  • June 3: Nick Longo – High-powered jazz from Atlanta saxophone artist and an ensemble of top jazz musicians.
  • June 17: Marsha DuPree – Cabaret jazz vocalist DuPree performs a soulful fusion of jazz, swing, blues and gospel styles with the Sweet Soul Jazz Masters, a five-piece ensemble. 
  • July 8: Lindsay Appel Atlanta singer-songwriter Appel blends pop, rock and blues to create a sound that is uniquely hers. Appel was Creative Loafing “Readers’ Pick” for best local singer-songwriter 2008. Among this summer’s headliners, she’s the only newcomer to Jazz on the Lawn.
  • July 29: Madoca & Company – Contemporary fusion jazz is in store from composer and jazz keyboard artist Madoca, who has performed internationally. Madcoa will team up with The Prince Project to create an expressive performance blending fusion, funk, Latin and contemporary jazz styles.
  • August 12:  Gwen Hughes – The 2011 series will go out swinging with a vocalist widely considered one of the best jazz artists in the region. Hughes and her band, the Retro Jazz Kats, swing high with a mix of elegant jazz, earthy blues and some rock and roll.

If you go: Jazz on the Lawn, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance online. General admission at the door is $20, $15 for senior citizens. Children younger than 12 are admitted free with adult. Purchase tickets online at TicketLeap. Parking on site is free.

For more information: 404-872-5338 or visit www.callanwolde.org

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Virginia Highland-Druid Hills