Elegance and support for education via the creative and performing arts: #LifeWithShenita via #AnElegantEveningOfJazz lends support to the Morrow High School Jazz Ensemble

On October 5, 2025, the 3rd edition of #AnElegantEveningOfJazz takes place at Spivey Hall (on the campus of Clayton State University). Under the creative vision, energy, and leadership of Dr. Shenita Connally, the event builds on the tradition established in its inaugural edition in 2023 as it provides a top-notch immersion of jazz artists with the immediate and interlocking community in an equally respected venue.

Beyond the extraordinary experience provided by this growing signature event is the one of the purposes of the event, and that is to support education via the lens of music (jazz specifically) to high schools in Clayton County (GA).

On October 28, 2025, the organization is joined by Clayton County Public School leadership, members of the community, and even local government, as a way to not only celebrate the work taking place, but to encourage and cultivate relationships in the community to support engagement and enrichment opportunities across the board. Taking place at Morrow High School, the program and related presentation includes the following guests and speakers:

• Mr. Benjamin Straker (Clayton County Public School Board Chair).

• Dr. Keith Horton (a long-time sponsor for #AnElegantEveningOfJazz).

• Ms. Joy Tellis Cooper (Clayton County Public School Board/District 8).

• Mayor John Lampl (Mayor of Morrow, GA).

• Dr. Eldrick Horton (Assistant Superintendent for Clayton County Public Schools).

• Dr. Shenita Connally.

• Julien Dooley (Morrow High School Jazz Ensemble Director).

• Dr. Lawvigneaud D. Harrell (Morrow High School Principal).

As a result of this year's concert, the jazz ensemble receives a $1000 donation in support of their efforts. With upcoming performances scheduled later this school year at Carnegie Hall (in New York City), today's program provides a positive boost for their programming along with enhancing the community partnerships and support overall.

Via the vehicle of jazz, music can truly move the masses. And through the creative and performing arts, #AnElegantEveningOfJazz provides a way for the immediate and larger community to embrace the art form along with schools and students with a focus on embracing as holistic an experience as possible.

And that is music to anyone's ears.

Notes: All video is recorded via asnortonccs; you may watch the full playlist (click HERE) for additional information. For those who would like to support the jazz ensemble, you may contact the school directly (770-473-3241) and ask to have your call directed to the music department for more details.