S.C. Jazz Masterworks Ensemble to Perform at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College

The South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble is comprised of some of the most outstanding jazz musicians, soloists, and bandleaders from across the Carolinas. The band will close out the “Carolina Shout” series at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (HT@MTC) with a concert on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature big band classics, music from the American song book, and modern originals by the group's members.

“We are thrilled to host Robert Gardiner and the talented S.C. Jazz Masterworks musicians to close out this series that we’ve enjoyed producing this season,” says Kristin Cobb, Executive Director of HT@MTC. She continues, “Reggie Sullivan and The Dick Goodwin Big Band were highlights on our stage, and we know this will also be a spectacular evening for the HT@MTC audience.”

A love for American jazz and a desire to support awareness and appreciation of the art form led Dr. Robert Gardiner, a well-known jazz musician in the Columbia area, to form the South Carolina Jazz Foundation and its marquee performance group, the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, in 2018. “The Jazz Masterworks Ensemble is comprised of 18 of the finest jazz musicians, soloists, and bandleaders from across South and North Carolina,” said Gardiner. “Our goal is to present jazz concerts at the highest artistic level.”

Gardiner is the founder and director of the S.C. Jazz Masterworks Ensemble and the President of the S.C. Jazz Foundation. He has been teaching, playing, promoting, and advocating for jazz for three decades. He has created and directed jazz ensembles at the middle school, high school, collegiate, community, and professional level.

Gardiner is a professor of music at Lander University and has served as the director of the Lander University Jazz Ensemble for the past 16 years. He is also currently leading the Capitol City Big Band and the Robert Gardiner Jazz Quartet. Gardiner has performed with Aretha Franklin, The Charleston Symphony, The Four Tops, and many others.

Tickets are available at HarbisonTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 803.407.5011.

Prior to the performance, visual artist Christopher Lane will be opening his most recent collection of work in the HT@MTC lobby, “Resist and Preserve.” The exhibition is running through the end of May and is presented by The Jasper Project. The artist will give a brief talk at 6:15 PM, and additional details can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/events/272108500344295/