Mid-century art meets mid-century music on the first Friday of each month at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Concerts are performed by the Ziad Jazz Quartet from 6 to 8 p.m. in the museum lobby and feature local and regional jazz artists. Concerts are free with museum admission. Cash bar.

June 1 - The Year in Jazz/1957

The Ziad Jazz Quartet transports listeners back to a breakout year in jazz from artists Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Yusef Lateef and Sonny Rollins. Song selections include Miles Ahead, Lazy Bird, Funk In A Deep Freeze, Yusef’s Mood and I’m An Old Cowhand.

July 6 - Guest Vocalist Maria Howell

Vocalist/actor Maria Howell returns to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for a special performance. Howell is best known for her role as the choir soloist in the movie The Color Purple and has shared the stage with Ray Charles, Ramsey Lewis, George Benson and other notable musicians. Audiences will be mesmerized by Howell’s sultry, soulful, smooth voice.

August 3 - Tribute to Sonny Rollins

American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins charged onto the musical scene at a young age, performing and recording with top names before he turned 20. Rollins is considered the single most enduring tenor saxophonist of the bebop and hard bop era, influencing generations of musicians. The Ziad Jazz Quartet pays tribute to him with songs including Pent Up House, St. Thomas, Oleo, Doxy, Airegin and Tenor Madness.

Tickets

Jazz at the Bechtler is free with admission or museum membership. Purchase tickets online, by phone (704.353.9200) or at the visitor services desk.

Parking

Museum visitors receive discounted parking in the Levine Center for the Arts garage. Bring ticket in for validation.

Jazz at the Bechtler News

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PRESS

Charlotte Magazine selects the Bechtler as "Best Jazz Club" in its 2012 Best of the Best issue.

Charlotte Observer: Bechtler Gets Jazzy on First Fridays

WBTV News 3 goes On the Road with Jazz at the Bechtler

North Carolina music journal CVNC.org concert review

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation arts blog: A Sublime Moment of Quintessential Cool