The Party: Well-dressed guests gathered at the Harbor Club at WestEdge for a festive soiree hosted by Charleston Jazz. Throughout the evening, members of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and students of the Charleston Jazz Academy performed alongside award-winning trumpeter Sean Jones, the artistic director for the National Youth Orchestra Jazz program at Carnegie Hall. Following a cocktail reception and three-course dinner, attendees participated in a live auction—bidding on items such as Spoleto Festival tickets and a private tour of Firefly Distillery—in support of local education initiatives. During the evening, local jazz legend Lonnie Hamilton II was presented with the Tip of the Hat award, named after Charleston Jazz founder Jack McCray’s famous headwear, for his dedication to the community.
Highlight: Musical presentations by students of the Charleston Jazz Academy
Overheard: “Music opened a lot of doors for me, and I was able to open doors for a lot of people.” —Lonnie Hamilton II
Beneficiary: Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Festival, and Charleston Jazz Academy
