Elegance and excellence: #AnElegantEveningOfJazz provides an enriching audience experience along with support for Morrow High School's jazz ensemble

On Sunday, October 5th (2025), the growing tradition and experience of #AnElegantEveningOfJazz takes place at Spivey Hall on the campus of Clayton State University. Conceptualized and actualized by the driving creative energy of Dr. Shenita Connally, the 3rd edition of the event builds on previous years since the inaugural edition in 2023, as it's evolving into a signature event in Clayton County and the greater Atlanta area (especially in South Metro).

The event begins with a VIP reception (3pm) as it features selections from the Morrow High School jazz ensemble and is following by a general reception at 4pm for networking opportunities, setting the stage and tone for the evening.

And when it comes to noting the importance of the event, our conversation with Al Smith (who serves as the musical director for the even) sincerely captures the meaning and moment (you may watch our full conversation below):

MC'd by 91.9 WCLK FM's Morris Baxter, the performance opens with words of welcome from Mr. Benjamin Straker (Board Chair of the Clayton County Board of Education), a special presentation from Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Gantt (Edward Jones Investments in Fayetteville, GA) and Dr. Keith and Mary Horton (who are among the sponsors for the event) for the Morrow High School jazz ensemble takes place. From there, Mygnon Walters-Mullins provides a powerful and inspiring poetic moment to further set the stage.

And the stage is surely set.

Harpist Lyrika Holmes is the opening artist for the event. Her seamless creativity and excellence shows how much the instrument has a presence across music genres and defining the jazz experience (you may watch the segment below for a part of her performance):

Vocalist Robin Latimore follows as the second artist. Her blend of jazz and overlapping genres (gospel and r & b), combined with her "back"-story telling of her music experience, only adds to the positive energy and spirit of the event (you may watch the segment below for part of her performance):

After a 20-minute intermission, Antoine Knight's (saxophonist) headlining performance and showmanship builds on the evening (you may watch the segment below for part of his performance):

To close out the performance aspect, all three artists combine their talents for the grand finale, which includes selections from Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (Before I Let You Go), Chaka Khan (I'm Every Woman), and 803Fresh's Southern Soul favorite (Boots on the Ground).

Along with closing remarks which encompass the mission and purpose of the event, from the support for Clayton County high school jazz programs to the widows and widowers served through the #AfterTheRain program via Life with Shenita, LLC, the intersection of music, arts, culture, and community are in full display.

Elegance and excellence for 3 years and counting.

Notes: All interviews and photos are provided by asnortonccs. You may watch the full playlist by clicking HERE.