A Charlotte showcase salute to jazz and Prince

MAYTE.COM

Dancer, singer and actress Mayte Garcia, Prince’s ex-wife, will present the North American debut of “Purple Is A Beautiful Thing: A Jazz Celebration of Prince” Jan. 24 as part of the second annual Black Notes Project showcase.

The second Black Notes Project showcase is around the corner.

The Sol Kitchen’s music weekend with Blumenthal Arts celebrates and commends Black American music. This year’s theme is jazz, and programming includes:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day showcase in collaboration with the Gantt Center on Jan. 20. Programming includes a pair of panel discussions: the Soul City Project moderated by Black Notes Project co-founder Amy Carleton with writer Thomas Healy, Harvey Gantt, and Floyd McKissick Jr. as well as the book “City of Hip Hop” featuring authors DJ Rob Swift and professor Rasul Mowatt.

There will also be a free film screening of a trap jazz documentary at the Mint Museum on Jan. 26.

Among the concerts are:

• The North American debut of "Purple Is A Beautiful Thing: A Jazz Celebration of Prince" Jan. 24 at 8 p.m., Booth Playhouse, curated and hosted by Mayte Garcia, Prince’s muse and ex-wife. Music will be provided by Danish jazz pianist and arranger Niels Lan Doky.

• Mayte will also lead a bellydance class and Q&A Jan. 25 at NC Dance District Studio, 4109 Stuart Andrew Blvd. Suite A.

• A daytime concert Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra performing orchestrally arranged jazz standards.

• “The Evolution of Jazz” Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. featuring Sainted Trap Choir’s interpretation of the Ella Fitzgerald-Louis Armstrong song book. Atlanta's Trap Jazz will also perform.

• Sean Mason featuring Tim Scott Jr. Ensemble Jan. 26 at 11:30 a.m.

For tickets, go to: blumenthalarts.org.

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