Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative today has announced a free Jazz Workshop with famed jazz trombonist, producer and educator Delfeayo Marsalis on Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 2pm – 4pm at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, located at 345 N College Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

Musicians of all ages are invited to bring their instrument and improve their jazz playing skills with this exciting and intensive 2-hour hands-on workshop. While the workshop is free, space is limited so those planning to attend should register online at www.thejazzarts.org. Marsalis will also be performing at an invitation-only fundraiser at a private residence on Saturday, May 17 to support the Jazz Arts Initiative.

“Having a musician and educator the caliber of Delfeayo Marsalis coming to Charlotte is an amazing opportunity for area students who are interested in learning more about jazz improvisation,” said Jazz Arts Initiative president, Lonnie Davis. “We can’t begin to express our extreme gratitude to Mr. Marsalis for donating his time for this incredible workshop and for the fundraiser. Of course all of the Marsalis brothers are legendary in the world of jazz and this is a supreme gift being given to Charlotte.”

About Delfeayo Marsalis

Delfeayo Marsalis is one of the top trombonists, composers and producers in jazz today and has been called “…one of the best, most imaginative and musical of the trombonists of his generation.” (Philip Elwood, San Francisco Examiner.) Along with his father Ellis and brothers Branford, Wynton and Jason, he has earned the nation’s highest jazz honor – a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award. He has toured with five renowned band leaders including Art Blakey, and Slide Hampton, and as a bandleader has earned wide acclaim for his own studio albums. Delfeayo has also been long involved in work as an educator. In 2004, he earned an MA in jazz performance at the University of Louisville and was conferred a doctorate by New England College in 2009.

About Jazz Arts Initiative

Jazz Arts Initiative is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion, education, preservation of jazz and related art forms. This newly-formed entity is made up of arts patrons, educators, performing jazz artists, business leaders, and volunteers. Their mission focuses on three program development areas: Jazz Performance, Education and Musician Support. These three elements were established to help nurture a future audience and preserve the tradition of this great American Art Form, Jazz. Find out more about JAI on their website: www.thejazzarts.org.