Hilton Smith

Charleston Jazz is a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting, preserving, and celebrating jazz through live performances, education, and community outreach. The non-profit company is based in North Charleston, SC. It serves a broad audience with programs including the Charleston Jazz Orchestra—a 17-member big band offering a six-concert season featuring notable artists—and the annual Charleston Jazz Festival, which showcases international and local jazz talent. The organization also presents the "Art of Jazz" series in collaboration with the Gibbes Museum of Art, featuring original jazz compositions inspired by artwork. Educational initiatives are a core focus, with the Charleston Jazz Academy providing private lessons, combo classes, summer camps, internships, and outreach programs designed to engage students from elementary through high school. Signature events like Jazz Day for Kids and Lowcountry Jazz Girls Day foster creativity, confidence, and inclusion among young musicians, emphasizing diversity and community building. Programs such as Jazz Pass remove financial barriers by offering free tickets to students and families, while school-based workshops and masterclasses deepen jazz appreciation and skills. Charleston Jazz aims to build both a local and broader jazz community by preserving the region’s rich jazz heritage and inspiring future generations through accessible performances, educational opportunities, and collaborative events. The company was founded in 2008 by Jack McCray.