How did John Coltrane influence hip-hop? Why is Billie Holiday’s voice so unique? How did Dave Brubeck help push pro-civil rights policy in the South?
Founded in 2015 by drummer Justin Varnes, the Jazz Legacy Project blends education with entertainment. Each performance weaves compelling stories about iconic jazz artists and their impact on American music and culture between authentic renditions of their most beloved songs — all designed to engage and inspire even casual listeners.
Through these dynamic concert experiences, audiences are invited into the lives and legacies of Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Herbie Hancock, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Current concert offerings include:
- Billie Holiday: God Bless the Child ✳️
- John Coltrane: The Beauty of Struggle
- Louis Armstrong: Pops – The Father of American Pop Music ✳️
- Herbie Hancock: The Blue Note Years
- Ella Fitzgerald: From Apollo Girl to Memorex Lady
- Nat “King” Cole: Unforgettable ✳️
✳️ Includes a guest vocalist
“It’s a jazz concert and music appreciation class in one…oh, and they play their behinds off, too!” – Tamara Fuller, Velvet Note
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Program
Billie Holiday: God Bless The Child
Nat King Cole: Unforgettable
John Coltrane: The Beauty of Struggle