Featured Artist of the Week: Jackiem Joyner

Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his close 20 years as a performer. With a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, he has shown himself to be the rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and reaching a mainstream audience.

Now, as he begins the 18th year of his career during a time of unprecedented change in the entertainment industry, he remains as focused on his art as ever.

“I don’t care how hard things get, it’ll never stop me from doing what I love. Playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live.”

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, VA. At an early age, he began to show signs of the restless creativity that would later define his career. Despite his humble upbringing, he was able to get his hands on a saxophone as a child. The instrument quickly became his constant companion. After years of practice, he emerged in style with 2007’s ‘Babysoul.’ A masterclass in seductive smooth jazz, the album marked the arrival of a brilliant instrumentalist, and set the stage for a prolific recording career that would include Grammy runner ups, hit singles, and no shortage of critical adoration, right up through 2019’s ‘Touch’, and on to 2020’s EP “Journey of Passion”

As a performer, he has toured over 30 countries and performed with the likes of the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill, Najee, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and many others.

10.27.2023

Jackiem Joyner

Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his close 20 years as a performer. With a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, he has shown himself to be the rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and reaching a mainstream audience. He returns to Middle C on Friday, October 27 at 7pm and 9:15pm and Saturday, October 28 at 6:15pm and 8:45pm!

10.25.2023

Funk of Ohio: The music of Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players, Zapp and Roger and more

Middle C will be filled with the sounds of PFunk, Prince, Rick James, James Brown, and other timeless funk legends. House of Funk was conceived by Charlotte guitarist Stefan Kallander and features some of Charlotte’s finest musicians in addition to monthly sit ins and features of other stunning artists from the deep well of Charlotte Funk. Don’t miss House of Funk: Funk of Ohio: The Music of Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players, Zapp and Roger and More on Wednesday, October 25 at 7pm!

10.26.2023

Java Band Performs the Hits of Soul & Motown

Join us on Thursday, October 26 at 7pm for Java Band! Their versatile style combines music including all genres to satisfy the music enthusiast as well as the person that’s the life of the party. Jazz standards, Rock, Motown/Beach, R&B, Hip Hop, and Country–they do it all!

10.29.2023

An Evening With Tony Hightower

Singer/Songwriter Tony Hightower is taking up the mantle to be a bridge that ushers R&B audiences into Jazz…Real Jazz. With years of experience as a musical performer and actor with familiar roots that place him firmly within the music’s firmament, Atlanta-native Hightower is still just getting started on this benevolent turn in his journey. And he is bringing a lot of young people with him. He makes his Middle C debut on Sunday, October 29 at 6pm!

11.02.2023

Special EFX Allstars featuring Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, Lao Tizer, Dave Livolsi & Joel Rosenblatt with Guest Maria Howell

Guitarist, composer, producer, and arranger, Chieli Minucci is longtime leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group SPECIAL EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, a major force on the jazz and world music scene for 40 years. This incredible combo band returns to Middle C for two shows on Thursday, November 2 at 7pm and 9:15pm!

11.03-04.2023

A Jazz Celebration of Stevie Wonder featuring Special Guest Adam McKnight presented by Noel Freidline & Maria Howell

Join us this fall on Friday, November 3 at 7pm and 9:15pm and Saturday, November 4 at 6pm and 8:45pm for our four year anniversary with music, giveaways, and more!

Our fabulous entertainment this weekend includes pianist Noel Freidine and vocalist Maria Howell performing a jazz celebration of their most popular Middle C shows featuring the music of Stevie Wonder! This year, they will be joined by a special guest vocalist, Adam McKnight!

11.05.2023

Brubeck Brothers Quartet

Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck, and with their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. They perform at concert series, colleges, and jazz festivals across North America and Europe including the Newport, Detroit, Montreal, Playboy/Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz Festivals. The Quartet’s last cd, LifeTimes was a hit on the Jazz Week radio chart where it made the Top Ten list as one of the most played jazz recordings of the year. They return on Sunday, November 5 at 6pm!