7.22.2023

An Evening with Flautist and Soul-Jazz Phenomenon Ragan Whiteside

Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award. Catch her debut on Saturday, July 22 at 7pm and 9:15!

Featured Artist of the Week: Ragan Whiteside

Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award.

That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist has become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering eight consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2022. And she’s done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson.

Her most recent full-length project, 2022’s Thrill Ride, is her sixth career album to date and it lives up to its title, demonstrating Whiteside’s breathtaking virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves. The project features eight songs, which are largely produced by her longtime collaborators Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin. Other producers include Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the sexy update of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing,” and James Lloyd of the veteran group Pieces Of A Dream, who contributes “A Toast At Sunset” as writer and keyboardist as well.

7.20.2023

5th & York

5th & York have emerged as one of the premier smooth jazz bands to come out of the Southeast. With influences ranging from the Yellow Jackets and Fourplay to the great funk bands of the 70s and 80s, 5th and York look to offer its audience a valuable experience they won’t soon forget. Join us for 5th and York on Thursday, July 20 at 7pm!

7.21.2023

“Something To Talk About”…Blues & Soul Vocalist Shelley Ruffin Presents the Music of Bonnie Raitt

We’re excited to bring Shelley Ruffin to Middle C for two shows of “Something To Talk About”: The Music of Bonnie Raitt on Friday, July 21 at 7pm and 9:15pm! Shelley gravitates toward music with a common thread, a distinct soulful flavor. There’s no doubt she has been influenced by soul, southern gospel, blues, rock, country and jazz. She loves blending styles and adding her own interpretation of the singers that have influenced her love for music.

7.23.2023

A Night with Charlotte’s Own Howard McNair: Jazz, Soul, R&B

We’re excited to bring Howard McNair to Middle C for one show on Sunday, July 23 at 6pm for a night of Jazz, Soul, and R&B! McNair has been able to connect and share the stage as a pianist and organist with prominent musicians and artists. A few artists that McNair has shared his gifts with include Mike Phillips, Carol Riddick, and The Hamiltones.

7.27.2023

Greggie and the Jets: An Elton John Tribute Band

Greggie and The Jets is an Elton John tribute band, based out of Central Florida, touring the country. Their live shows recreate the music, the energy, and the feeling of being at a classic era Elton John concert. They bring, note for note, all the elements of the Elton John albums from the singles you love to the deep cut tracks, live and in person. Catch their show at Middle C on Thursday, July 27 at 7pm!

7.28.2023

Chris Standring: The Lovers Remix Record Release Party

British soul-jazz funk guitarist and Billboard #1 recording artist makes his debut performance at Middle C Jazz to celebrate his 15th studio album recording with The Lovers Remix Collection. An electric show not to be missed. Chris Standring is a British jazz guitarist known for his heavy use of 1970s-style musical nuances. In an illustrious career that stretches back over the last 25 years, Chris has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most virtuosic guitarists, with considerable radio and chart success. Join us on Friday, July 28 at 7pm and 9:15pm!

7.29.2023

Contemporary Jazz Artist Blake Aaron & Saxophonist Will Donato

Guitarist Blake Aaron has taken the Contemporary Jazz world by storm recently with a total of FIVE #1 Billboard Singles! Will Donato is one of music’s most dynamic performers, gifted with the ability to bond and connect with his audiences. His latest radio single “GOOD ON YOU” was a Billboard #1 hit in Winter 2022. In the studio working on his next full-length album to be released in late 2023, Will Donato was quoted by NewJazz.com as “A Must See Show!” Join us on Saturday, July 29 at 7pm and 9:15pm!

7.30.2023

Gospel Sunday featuring Karen Poole & KeAndra Davis paying Tribute to Mary Mary

Fuel your body and move your soul! Gospel Sunday returns with Karen Poole and KeAndrea Davis Paying Tribute to Mary Mary on Sunday, July 16 at 6pm! Be prepared to feast on inspirational music that will surely move your body and fuel your soul.