'Idol' performer Ruben Studdard part of Jazz Appreciation Month event in Chattanooga

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

photo Former American Idol contestant Ruben Studdard performs during taping of the 2012 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards at Atlanta's Fox Theater.

Organizers of Jazzanooga, have released the schedule for a month-long celebration of the musical art form that will take place in April, Jazz Appreciation Month.

Headlining will be Jazzreach, Lalah Hathaway, Ruben Studdard, Gregory Porter and Avery Sunshine. The full schedule is available at www.jazzanooga.org.

"This year's schedule has something for everyone, from Jazz education activities, nationally renowned headliner concerts, to a Jazz Parade featuring the Tennessee State University Jazz Collegians and the UTK Trombone Ensemble," said Jazzanooga founder, Shane Morrow.

"We even have a special culinary event, Edible Jazz, just for Chattanooga's foodies."

The festival is designed to showcase local musicians, artists and creatives. A special aspect of this year's festival is the Big Nine Jazz Series, a week of jazz education, visual art and local music at various MLK Boulevard venues. The Big Nine Jazz Series will culminate in a full day of family friendly music activities on April 26.

Three of the day-time musical performances will take place at the Waterhouse Pavilion, downtown in Miller Plaza.

"As a longtime supporter and advocate for the arts, River City Company is excited to partner again with Jazzanooga to bring some jazz to Downtown Chattanooga. The arts and endeavors like Jazzanooga contribute to the unique sense of place and community that make Chattanooga special," explains Paige Southard, program director at River City.

Jazzanooga, started in 2010 as a one-day community festival and has grown to a month-long celebration that honors and promotes Chattanooga's extraordinary jazz heritage. The festival is supported by the Benwood and Lyndhurst Foundations. Event sponsorship opportunities are available.