Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative (JAI) will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by kicking off the Seventh Season its highly acclaimed monthly series – The Jazz Room @ The Stage Door Theater – on Friday, April 8, 2016 with a tribute to the great Louis Armstrong from renowned jazz trumpeter Leon Brown. All Jazz Room performances feature two shows – 6:00PM and 8:15PM – at The Stage Door Theater, part of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, at the corner of 5th and College in Uptown Charlotte.

The summer season continues on Thursday, May 19, 2016 with Chad Eby performing the music of Ornette Coleman. Thursday, June 16, 2016 will feature a Special Edition of The Jazz Room featuring internationally renowned vibraphonist Jason Marsalis performing a special tribute to Lionel Hampton.

Other shows coming this season include: Pianist Victor Atkins playing the music of Horace Silver on Friday, July 15; Jon Thorton performing the music of Chet Baker on Friday, August 19; and a special edition "Jazz Room Piano Night" on Friday, September 16.

"We couldn't be more excited about Season 7, which will feature some of our best shows yet," said Lonnie Davis, President and CEO of JAI. "We appreciate the amazing support from our supporters and attendees, which has enabled us to continue The Jazz Room Series and to bring amazing jazz to our community. We encourage people to get their tickets early as we continue to sell out every show."

The Jazz Room @ The Stage Door Theater spotlights the Charlotte region’s most gifted musicians recreating the sounds of the greatest legends in jazz in a casual, intimate setting with cabaret tables and a full bar. Limited tickets are only $12 and can be purchased at www.carolinatix.org, by calling 704-372-1000, or $15 at the door if available. Jazz Room memberships and Season 7 bundle packages are also available. The public is advised to purchase tickets early as these shows tend to sell out quickly.