Charleston Jazz Festival Expands to Nine Days in 2025, Showcasing an Unparalleled Lineup of World-Class Artists
The Charleston Jazz Festival proudly announces its return in 2025 with an expanded nine-day celebration of jazz, running from April 21 through April 29.
This year’s festival features an extraordinary lineup of internationally renowned artists, distinguished local musicians, and a diverse array of performances, presented in partnership with a variety of organizations and venues, including Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Gaillard Center, the College of Charleston, The Establishment, Fox Music, Circular Congregational Church, and Charleston Music Hall.
From jazz-infused opera and Latin jazz mastery to soul tributes and innovative educational programs, the 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival will offer a rich and dynamic experience, further solidifying Charleston’s reputation as a leading cultural destination for jazz enthusiasts.
The 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival is made possible in part by the Oliver S. and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust, Hilton C. Smith Jr., Explore Charleston, MUSC Health, City of Charleston, the Byron Fellowship Educational Foundation, and the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Schedule of Events
April 24, 2025
Charleston Jazz Festival Lowcountry Jazz Day: Mark Sterbank Quartet – Ballads, Blues & Swing
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Doors at 5PM
Venue: The American Theater
446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
The 2025 Charleston Jazz Festival Lowcountry Jazz Day kicks off with the Mark Sterbank Quartet and their stirring program of original music, Ballads, Blues & Swing.
Mark Sterbank is Professor of Music teaching Jazz Studies and Saxophone at Charleston Southern University. He performs regularly with the Charlton Singleton Quintet and Quentin Baxter Quintet, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble. Joining Mark on this special evening will be Charleston favorites, Jonathan Lovett on piano, Brett Belanger on bass, and from Augusta, Ga, Edwin Hamilton on drums.
Mark Sterbank – Tenor Saxophone
Jonathan Lovett – Piano
Brett Belanger – Bass
Edwin Hamilton – Drums
Charleston Jazz Festival Lowcountry Jazz Day: Kenney/Khayat/Baxter Trio – Impressions of Soul
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Doors at 7:30
Venue: The American Theater
446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Featuring Thomas Kenney on guitar, Tim Khayat on electric bass, and Calvin Baxter on drums, this unique trio explores the timeless music of Motown and Soul through the lens of modern jazz. They weave through the tapestry of exciting rhythmic and new harmonic versions of well loved songs by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Otis Redding and more!
Culminating their experiences as members of Doom Flamingo, Ranky Tanky, Motown Throwdown and the Gullah Collective, this powerhouse group brings their passion and soul to Lowcountry Jazz Night at the Charleston Jazz Festival!
Thomas Kenney – Guitar
Tim Khayat – Electric Bass
CL Baxter – Drums
Date: April 21 - 29, 2025
