Jazz at Judson’s Live: From Crooners to Hip-Hop Fusion

Grammy Award winners, local up-and-coming talent and more incredible jazz artists have played at Judson’s Live since its opening over a year ago. Vocal crooners fill the room with subtle riffs and soulful standards while jazz instrumentalists light up the stage with electric musical improvisations. With a design inspired by iconic jazz clubs around the world, the cozy space creates the perfect backdrop for jazz performances.

It’s Jazz Appreciation Month, and in celebration of the rich history and vibrant community behind the genre, we’re taking a moment to reflect on both our past and upcoming programming that highlights this art form.

The Spectrum of Jazz Styles at Judson’s Live

Jazz represents the freedom of expression, collaboration and the power of community. The elasticity of jazz has allowed musicians to stretch the boundaries of the genre, creating new sounds and sub-genres. This creative freedom has given rise to an endless variety of styles, each artist adding their own unique sound.

In its first year, Judson’s Live has hosted an incredible array of jazz-inspired musicians, from jazz vocalists like Cécile McLorin Salvant to French jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel. Orlando artists also take the stage like local-favorite Laurel Hatfield and the La La Band. These performances exemplify the diverse range of jazz styles that can be experienced at Judson’s Live, like straight-ahead jazz, manouche jazz, swing or experimental jazz fusions.

Jazz Education at Dr. Phillips Center

Dr. Phillips Center recognizes the importance of music education, with jazz being a central focus of several community initiatives. Each year, the center welcomes thousands of students to participate in programs designed to engage the next generation of jazz lovers and musicians.

This year, more than 15,000 students participated in the annual 6th & Jazz: Jazz Icons interactive program, where they learned about jazz and the legends who shaped the genre. The arts center also hosts the Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival, which gives young musicians the chance to perform Duke Ellington’s music and receive guidance and critique from Jazz at Lincoln Center clinicians.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the dynamic art of jazz by attending performances at Judson’s Live and other venues at the Dr. Phillips Center. With a wide array of programming, music fans can experience and learn more about a variety of jazz styles throughout the season.