Joe Alterman performs regularly at many world renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland and Blue Note.

Live in the Lobby Jazz: Rod Foster & Company featuring Brittany Turnipseed · Motown Meets Jazz

Joe Alterman performs regularly at many world renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland and Blue Note.

From jubilant second-line parades to mournful dirges that honor the departed, the sound of brass carries the stories of a resilient people.

Roots of Rhythm: Charleston to Congo Square — a riveting, one-night-only musical journey exploring how Charleston and New Orleans helped birth America’s greatest art form: jazz.

Don Braden spent years as the saxophonist with greats like Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Haynes, he has developed an extensive knowledge of every aspect of Jazz performance.

The Kenny Garrett Group and the Tia Fuller Quartet—two of the most celebrated and dynamic jazz ensembles—share the stage in a worldwide first!

 The Main Street Jazz Fest presented by the award-winning ColaJazz Foundation (ColaJazz), returns May 10 – 11, bringing world-class jazz, community and culture to the heart of the city. Thanks to support from the City of Columbia, Richland County, Intramed Plus, Prisma Health, Sims Music, SC Arts Commission, South State Bank, and many other local sponsors, the outdoor festival is FREE to all attendees on May 10.

Rex Richardson is a highly acclaimed trumpet virtuoso who excels in both jazz and classical genres. He has received numerous accolades, including being named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year. Richardson has performed extensively, with solo engagements in 46 countries and appearances with prestigious orchestras and ensembles worldwide.

Dick Goodwin is a SC treasure! He has had a long association with the South Carolina Philharmonic composing, arranging, occasionally conducting and playing double bass and trumpet and continues to lead the Dick Goodwin Big Band and the Dick Goodwin Quintet, which has made a dozen foreign concert tours.

The ColaJazz Foundation takes the stage at the Newberry Opera House with a lively concert designed just for kids! This engaging event invites young audiences to explore the magical world of jazz led by a dynamic ensemble of talented musicians.

Don't miss an incredible performance featuring one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, Wycliffe Gordon, with our local jazz stars!

Experience two greats in the realm of freely improvised music.

The State Museum and the ColaJazz Foundation invite you to an evening celebrating the beloved host of NPR’s “Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz.” A jazz trio will perform a selection of her own compositions alongside works by the jazz giants who inspired her. 

Jane Monheit is a jazz and adult contemporary vocalist with a deep passion for the Great American Songbook. With many highly acclaimed solo albums, countless awards and accolades, and over two decades of international touring experience, Jane has not only been an extremely successful bandleader, but has had the privilege of making music with some of the greatest musicians, arrangers, and producers in jazz.

This concert combines amazing musicians and history for an afternoon full of smooth sounds-- perfect for cool cats! 

Jazz is a product of diverse cultures colliding and creating something new. Jazz demands honesty, authenticity, and constant self-improvement from its musicians, while also requiring a dynamic group interaction where individuals listen, challenge, and collaborate without ego. This interplay fosters a search for truth and understanding, acknowledging that no one person holds all the answers. Jazz embraces diversity, celebrating individual uniqueness and the richness that different perspectives bring to the music

This Valentine special, "FEVER," presents a new revue of love songs by Elvis Presley, melting your heart and rockin' the house! Experience a new take on old classics with more improvisation, costume changes, dancing, audience participation, and more!

Award-winning New York City jazz pianist and accordionist, Ben Rosenblum, is a versatile musician who has performed across a wide range of genres and countries.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Endless Summer playing your favorite music from the 60's, 70’s and beyond for your listening and dancing enjoyment!

KIN Copaset, the Atlanta-based World Jazz powerhouse, isn't your average band. These musicians regularly grace stages with Grammy winners. FREE show!

Joe Gransden has  performed worldwide and released 16 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.

Celebrate the legacy of the amazing Harlem stride pianist, Thomas "Fats" Waller in this special Loft Session presented in partnership with Trustus Theatre!

Join us for an adventurous evening of improvisational music at ColaJazz’s The Space on Sunday, January 5, from 8 PM to 10 PM! Located at 2123 College Street, Columbia, SC 29205, this event promises to be an exciting journey in sound and vibe.

Celebrated trumpeter and bandleader Mark Rapp leads his group through fun and inspiring jazz arrangements of holiday classics. It’s the best way to cap off the holiday season and get ready for ol’ Saint Nick!

Cat Galan is a multitalented, dynamic artist who is equally at home singing soulful jazz standards, playing a classical violin concerto or rocking out on the guitar. She is absolutely stellar and her band is too. Join us as we celebrate the holidays on this, our last, Loft Session of 2024.