Atlanta Jazz Festival Honors Local Talent and WCLK at 50 Concert
Known for its vibrant music scene, the city of Atlanta is set to add more color to its palette with an upcoming jazz event. The Atlanta Jazz Festival, a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar, has announced a special concert on May 24, themed “WCLK at 50”. The concert will celebrate 50 glorious years of WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM, while also honoring Atlanta’s outstanding community of jazz artists.
An Evening of Melodies and Celebrations
The main event is to be held at the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Hall. Over twenty-three artists from around the world will gather for this extravaganza, inviting the community to an unforgettable night of music. Notable drummer Lil John Roberts has been chosen to spearhead the Atlanta All-Star Band, with DJ Kemit providing groove-inducing interludes. Storyteller and poet Jon Goode will narrate the event, adding depth to the performance with narrations about the history and impact of WCLK.
The concert promises a stellar lineup of remarkable artists renowned in the global jazz circles. Some of the key performers include Kathleen Bertrand, Tony Hightower, Julie Dexter, Cleveland P. Jones, and Rhonda Thomas. Fans can also expect sterling performances from instrumental geniuses Dashill Smith, Alexandra Jackson and the mercurial drummer Lil John Roberts.
WCLK at 50 – An Homage to a Legacy
The concert serves as a fitting tribute to WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Throughout its half-century duration, the station has given voice to an eclectic mix of jazz recordings, shaping and reflecting the creative taste of Atlanta’s avid jazz listeners.
Lil John Roberts expressed excitement about leading the musical journey through decades of jazz, recreating some of the endearing tunes that have graced the airwaves of WCLK in the last 50 years. The rehearsed set aims to cover a diverse range of compositions from the 1930s up to the present. Jazz classics including “Maiden Voyage,” “I Got Rhythm,” “So What,” and “Take 5” are in the roster, as well as modern hits like “Watermelon Man,” “Everybody Loves The Sunshine,” “Dominoes”, and “Rise.”
Co-produced by Music Industry Veterans
The event is organized by an experienced team of co-producers, including Jamah Ahmad, Ray Cornelius, and Lil John Roberts. With their cumulative expertise and knowledge of the industry, they assure the WCLK at 50 concert will indeed be a night to remember.
As the day approaches, excitement builds in Atlanta’s jazz circles. With an extraordinary night of music and celebration lined up, May 24 promises to be a significant date on the jazz calendar for the city.
