Elegance and excellence: The 4th annual #AnElegantEveningOfJazz provides a tremendous experience for the greater community
Elegance and excellence.
Since its inception in 2023, #AnElegantEveningOfJazz provides the Metro-Atlanta community an opportunity to enjoy top-notch jazz artists in one of the top venues in the area, networking opportunities, and support for Clayton County High School music programs (among other entities).
The concert is clearly a signature event via the work of Dr. Shenita Connally. Through #LifeWithShenita and its key programming arm, #LifeAfterTheRain, support opportunities are provided to widows and widowers, including social and community events to access to resources and related engagement (since 2016). Through her and her late husband's love and appreciation of the music genre (jazz), the concert series is created.
Taking place at Spivey Hall on the campus of Clayton State University (October 4, 2026), the event opens with a VIP reception and gradually, the larger general reception. The Jonesboro High School Jazz Ensemble is the featured artist during this time to provide the backdrop for a tremendous experience.
When the concert opens, Demetria "Joy" Long sets the stage with an interpretive dance featuring the vocals of Dr. Connally. Afterwards, recognition of supporters and sponsors is provided, ranging from (but not limited to) aParent Miracles Foundation to title sponsor Floyd Gantt/Edward Jones in Fayetteville, GA (click HERE to refer to our preview as it has a complete listing of sponsors), along with District 4 Commissioner DeMont Davis, members of the Clayton County School Board, and Clayton State University President Dr. Georj L. Lewis, all provide a lead in for the first two artists. Both flautist (flute) Ragan Whiteside and vocalist Lori Williams take the stage as their respective individual sets incorporate a blend of cover and original songs to set the tone to a tremendous opening act.
After intermission, saxophonist Antonio Allen and vocalist Robin Latimore accentuated the elevated music experience. Their expertise and audience engagement provides yet another world-class experience for the nearly at capacity audience.
To close out the artist performances, a closing rendition of the Maze featuring Frankie Beverly Standard "Before I Let Go" is performed.
And in closing out the event, a reminder of the "why" behind the event is shared.
As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds is donated to support a Clayton County High School music program; this year, the Jonesboro High School Band is the beneficiary as they generate support for their upcoming invitation to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA (greater Los Angeles area). Given the patronage of attendees and key supporters, nearly $5,000 is committed to help with the band's endeavor and opportunity to be a part of a major event on the West Coast (and the nation's second largest media outlet).
Elegance and excellence is truly in the makeup of #AnElegantEveningOfJazz. The event incorporates support opportunities across the board, all under the backdrop of a tremendous jazz centered experience.
Again, it is elegance and excellence at work.
NOTES: You are invited to watch the playlist (click HERE) for related video on the event.
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