Come support Jazz Arts Group’s Youth Jazz Program in a fundraiser concert with 2006 National Trumpet Competition winner and composer Etienne Charles on Sunday, February 21 at 4:00 pm at the Columbus Performing Arts Center – Shedd Theatre.

Born on the island of Trinidad in 1983, Etienne Charles defies easy musical categorization. Etienne’s musical lineage runs at least four generations deep. His great-grandfather, Clement Monlouis, emigrated to Trinidad from the overseas French department of Martinique bringing his folk music to the village of Mayaro. The young trumpeter’s grandfather, Ralph Charles’ distinct cuatro style can be heard on the classic folk and calypso recordings of the Growling Tiger; and, Etienne’s father, Francis Charles, was a member of Phase II Pan Groove, one of Trinidad’s most progressive steel bands and one that Etienne himself would later join. Immersed in his father’s vast record collection, and suffused with the sounds of calypso, steel pan, and African Shango drumming, Etienne imbibed many of the influences that presently constitute the diverse colors of his harmonic palette.

Limited tickets are available for $15 each and can be purchased in advance by calling the Jazz Academy at 614-719-6758.

The Jazz Arts Group is dedicated to advancing the art of jazz through performance and education. JAG’s Youth Jazz Program fulfills this mission by providing the opportunity for students in grades 7 – 12 to participate in one of three outstanding ensembles: the Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop (CYJW); the Columbus Youth Jazz Studio Ensemble (CYJSE); and the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO). Each ensemble rehearses weekly and offers a variety of performances and other educational activities each season.

Columbus Youth Jazz is presented by the Jazz Arts Group with ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation. Additional support is provided by Cardinal Health, Bob Evans, Columbus Recreation and Parks and the Phoenix Theatre for Children.

Special thanks to the Columbus Performing Arts Center and Directors Alan McKnight and Patty Harris. Also special thanks to the Columbus City Council and Priscilla Tyson. Thanks to Steven Anderson, Artistic Director, and Joe Bishara, Production Coordinator of the Phoenix Theatre for Children. Thanks also to Etienne Charles, Youth Jazz Directors Todd A. Stoll and Hal Melia, and the students and their families for their participation in the Jazz Arts Group’s Youth Jazz Program.