Big Mama
Piano Day
Gospel & Soul Brunch
Jazzanooga continues to celebrate April as Jazz Appreciation month with three music events this weekend. A full listing of 2016 Jazzanooga Music Festival events hosted this month can be found on their website, jazzanooga.org, and all proceeds from festival events go to support Jazzanooga’s year-round programming for the community.
Friday, 8-11 p.m.
The Life and Times of Big Mama Thornton
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E MLK Blvd.
Chattanooga's own Azusa "She She" Dance for a one night only performance of The Life & Times of Big Mama Thornton. Wiille Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's Hound Dog in 1952, which became her biggest hit. It spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B charts in 1953. There will be a cash bar. This event is part of the LIVE at The Bessie performance series. Tickets are $20 on Eventbrite.
Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Keys of Life: Piano Jam at the Library
Downtown Public Library, 1001 Broad St.
In the kingdom of the instruments, the piano reigns supreme. Not only is it one of the largest instruments you can play, but it also offers a variety of expression and playing potential unrivalled amongst its cousins. Join us for a cool afternoon of free live piano performances by local musicians. Presented by Jazzanooga, The Downtown Public Library, and Summitt Pianos.
Sunday, 1:30-3 p.m.
Gospel & Soul Brunch
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E MLK Blvd.
Gospel & Soul Brunch and enjoy a meal while appreciating this uplifting, soulful music on the day it was meant to be heard. Featured performers The Voices of THECREATIVEUNDERGROUND. A tribute to the Gospel Music Greats, Andrae Crouch and Walter Hawkins. Tickets are $20 on Eventbrite.
Created in 2011 as a citywide celebration of jazz, Jazzanooga is now a cultural arts and education nonprofit that offers year-round programming and a month-long celebration during April in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month. Festival events include large shows, intimate performances, food events, educational activities and more. The final week in April brings national and international jazz headline acts to perform in Chattanooga, and 2016’s lineup features multiple Grammy award winners Aturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Octet and the Christian McBride Trio. Ticket discounts, and a $10 student ticket are available.
For more information about festival events or community programming, visit www.jazzanooga.org, like Jazzanooga on Facebook, or follow @Jazzanooga on twitter.