Myrtle Beach Jazz in the Stacks Concert Series Launches

News Summary

The Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle Beach has introduced the ‘Jazz in the Stacks’ concert series, showcasing live jazz performances every Tuesday evening. Kicking off on January 7, 2025, the event featured talented musicians from Coastal Carolina University and drew around 150 attendees who enjoyed the cozy ambiance and lively music. The series aims to introduce jazz to the community while providing a unique space for live performances. Upcoming shows promise to delight local music lovers with a variety of performances planned over the following weeks.

Myrtle Beach Welcomes Jazz in the Stacks Series at Chapin Memorial Library

Myrtle Beach residents, get ready to enjoy some smooth tunes every Tuesday evening! The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) faculty band has officially kicked off the exciting Jazz in the Stacks concert series, and the atmosphere was electric during the inaugural event on January 7, 2025. With a crowd of around 150 attendees, the library felt alive with music, laughter, and a sense of community. Many of the folks attending were regulars, eager to soak in the experience of live jazz in such a unique space.

Creating a Cozy Ambiance

To make the setting even more inviting, the Chapin Memorial Library transformed a downstairs room, giving it a wonderful café-like vibe. With tables placed around and soft ambient lighting, the library provided the perfect backdrop for the smooth sounds of jazz. Attendees could sit back and relax, letting the powerful melodies transport them to a world enriched by rhythm and improvisation.

Faculty Participation Sets the Tone

The CCU music department showed off its talent, with Emilio Terranova, who is the coordinator of commercial music and jazz, performing the classic piece “Body and Soul.” Other faculty members, such as Chris Connolly and Jesse Willis, who is the music department chairman, joined in, enriching the performance with their expertise. The group entertained the audience with selections from famous jazz composers including Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. It was a thrilling experience that left everyone tapping their feet and feeling inspired.

A Unique Origin Story

Inspired by a previous student inquiry about jazz books back in 2017, retired librarian Deb Warrington kicked off this jazz series initiative. Her goal was to create an engaging way to introduce and appreciate jazz music to library-goers, while also making use of the library’s unique ambiance. Interestingly, books absorb sound, which works wonderfully to enhance the overall experience of a live music performance. What started as a simple inquiry has blossomed into a beloved concert series, showcasing the evolving cultural landscape of Myrtle Beach.

Jazz Lineup Excites Music Lovers

The excitement doesn’t stop here! The Jazz in the Stacks series will keep the tunes rolling every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., completely free of charge for the public. Upcoming performers include Frank Fiorello on January 21, Pam Purvis on January 28, Caravan of Stars on February 4, Groove Blue Organ Ensemble on February 11, and Burning Bridges on February 18. This lineup promises something exciting for every jazz aficionado or anyone simply looking to enjoy a lovely evening of music.

Jazz Takes Over Musical Preferences

Interestingly, many attendees have varied tastes in music. In the past, they have enjoyed genres like country and pop, largely thanks to Warrington’s musical preferences before she stumbled upon the world of jazz through this series. Now, as the series evolves, attendees are embracing this new genre and finding themselves swayed by the enchanting beats. With over 100 music majors and 40 music minors, the CCU music department has a fantastic platform to showcase its growing talents through this exciting concert series.

Weather Woes or Not, the Show Goes On

Even with a forecast predicting about half an inch of rain and a 100% chance for the evening, the musicians and audience members came together, proving that great music can brighten any gloomy day. The cozy library atmosphere was a perfect refuge from the less-than-ideal weather outside, making it an ideal spot to enjoy incredible jazz, mingle, and soak up the culture of Myrtle Beach.

So, if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some lively music, don’t miss out on the Jazz in the Stacks series! Grab your friends or family, head over to Chapin Memorial Library, and immerse yourself in a world of jazz every Tuesday—who knows, it just might become your new favorite weekly tradition!