February Friday Jazz

Event DescriptionMark your calendar for live jazz at the High, hosted by Jamal Ahmad from Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Atlanta’s jazz station! On the third Friday of every month, you’ll enjoy music, drinks, and art. Each month will feature a different style of jazz, from straight ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing, and more. _Seating for Friday Jazz opens at 6 p.m. It is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. _ February features the music of jazz vocalist Tony Hightower. ABOUT BENITO GONZALEZ Pianist Benito Gonzalez is an internationally beloved artist who combines a long lineage of American jazz traditions with rhythms from around the world. He’s worked with dozens of the greats, and he always brings some of the best rhythm section players in the world. Expect to hear an elite trio performing original music, McCoy Tyner classics, or even a favorite John Coltrane tune. Gonzalez is recognized as an exciting pianist and composer for his well-received debut album, _Starting Point_ (featuring Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Rene McLean, Ron Blake, and Pernell Saturnino), and for taking home first prize at the Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Gonzalez’s acclaimed album _Passion Reverence Transcendence_ (featuring Essiet Okon Essiet and Gerry Gibbs) reveals a very personal body of work through which he emerges as a leader and an accomplished improviser. Recently, he received more critical attention for his great tribute to music legend McCoy Tyner, as well as two Grammy nominations for his work on Kenny Garrett’s albums _Seeds from the Underground _and_ Pushing the World Away_. After almost seven years of touring with Garrett, Gonzalez has added numerous festivals and international jazz club dates to his credit. He has also shared the stage with Pharoah Sanders, Curtis Fuller, Bobby Hutcherson, Christian McBride, Ignacio Berroa, Roy Hargrove, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Delfeayo Marsalis, Hamiet Bluiett, Antonio Sánchez, T. K. Blue, Nicholas Payton, Azar Lawrence, and Jackie McLean. DRINK AND DRAW From 6 to 9 p.m., drop in for Drink and Draw and sketch live, clothed models with guided instruction from Georgia State University drawing instructors. No experience required.   _Prepay for guaranteed parking, take MARTA to the Arts Center Station (N5), or take a Lyft._