Inside Out:  A Tribute to Phil Collins

Inside Out: A Tribute to Phil Collins

Fri, Jul 25

Forte Owner, Joe Clarke, as a young musician, found inspiration in the music of Phil Collins inside legendary Prog-Rock trio ,Genesis and outside on his solo career. As Phil Collins career is sunsetting, Joe Clarke feels compelled to pay tribute by producing this deep dive into Phil Collins' iconic sound through 3 decades of his music. Joe Clarke along with the Forte Show Band, replete with horns section, back up vocalists and Joe Clarke on Lead Vocals will put on a show fans of Phil Collins and Genesis will remember for years to come. Newcomers to this music will be thrilled. The show weaves through his career to ensure there is never a dull moment. Some selections from the show will be; "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven," "No Reply at All," "Turn it on Again," and so much more. A total of 20 songs, all of the best of Phil Collins will be performed. You do not want to miss this. Joe Clarke - Lead Vocals John Kennedy - Bass/Sound guy Josh Hoover - Drums Thomas Norris - Lead Guitar Jon Phillips - Saxes/Back up Vocals Brian Bohannon - Trumpet/Back up Vocals Jenna Bohannon - Back up Vocals Jerome Griffin - Back up Vocals 

ROCKETPIANO MAN:  The Very Best of Billy Joel and Elton John with Joe Clarke and the Forte Show Band

ROCKETPIANO MAN: The Very Best of Billy Joel and Elton John with Joe Clarke and the Forte Show Band

Fri, Jul 25

Back by popular demand, Forte's owner Mr. Joe Clarke himself headlines with the hits of Elton John and Billy Joel! We know you know all the words... come join us! BRING YOUR COOL GLASSES, FEATHERS, BOAS, SPARKLES, ETC! Joe Clarke, a Charleston native, has been entertaining audiences for 30 years. He brings a new take on the crooner persona. He draws from the tradition of the greats like Sinatra and Tony Bennett, sprinkling with some spicy tones of Rock & Roll. Always witty and engaging, you won't want to miss this Charleston original. The band is made up of Charleston's finest and most exciting musicians. 

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Sat, Jul 26

Charles Grant is a premier vocalist with a band comprised of the finest musicians playing the very best Classic Soul, R&B, Smooth Jazz and Motown hits. 

Forte Jazz Workshop Recital -July 27, 2025

Forte Jazz Workshop Recital -July 27, 2025

Sun, Jul 27

Join us this evening for a captivating jazz performance by five exceptional young musicians! Over the past four Sundays in July, these talented artists have delved deep into the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and performance. While already accomplished in their own right, they've honed their skills in harmony, rhythm, phrasing, stage etiquette, and more. Tonight, witness the exciting culmination of their hard work and dedication. They'll be performing a diverse selection of pieces they've meticulously prepared, showcasing their growth and passion for the art form. The performance will be approximately one hour. Don't miss this opportunity to hear the bright future of jazz! Miranda Hartnett - Piano Ian Clark - Guitar Hailee Richmond - Bass/Vocal Donovan McClain - Drums Greyson Aldredge - Tenor Sax 

The Brett Belanger Quartet - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Quartet - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Jul 30

Brett Belanger is a highly accomplished and sought after bassist. He leads this Quartet of A-list musicians, Our house pianist and Ron Wiltrout on Drums. Each week a saxophonist joins the group to bring their own sound. They cover great American Jazz Standards as well as more contemporary material from the Bebop era. From time to time, they include some of their own compositions. Come in for a relaxing night listening to great performances. Join us every Wednesday for an amazing jazz set performed by Charleston's best. 

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

Thu, Jul 31

Forte Jazz Lounge presents an evening of vocal jazz from the Great American Song Book. Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington are just a few of the composers represented in this night dedicated to the the Great American Songbook and the Vocalists that brought them to life for the past 80+ years. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Bobby Darrin, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn are all celebrated on Thursday Nights. This evening Forte's Owner and veteran Big Band vocalist, Joe Clarke will be entertaining you from 7pm-10pm. 

Forte's Latin Jazz Series Featuring World renowned Percussionist Calixto Oviedo

Forte's Latin Jazz Series Featuring World renowned Percussionist Calixto Oviedo

Fri, Aug 01

This band consists of Charleston's best jazz musicians and will explore the dynamic and exciting Latin Jazz Genre. Electric Bassist Tim Khayat, as well as Charleston favorite, Latin Jazz percussionist Gino Castillo and world renowned Latin Jazz Percussionist Calixto Oviedo. 

Big Band Saturday Night: Frank and Dean

Big Band Saturday Night: Frank and Dean

Sat, Aug 02

The Forte Big Band performs with Joe Clarke and Brian Bohannon crooning your favorite Sinatra and Martin tunes from the Rat Pack Days. 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Aug 06

Brett Belanger is a highly accomplished and sought after bassist. He leads this trio of A-list musicians, Abdiel Iriarte on Piano and Ron Wiltrout on Drums. They cover great American Jazz Standards as well as more contemporary material from the Bebop era. From time time, they include some of their own compositions. Come in for a relaxing night listening to great performances. Join us every Wednesday for an amazing jazz set performed by Charleston's best. 

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

Thu, Aug 07

Forte Jazz Lounge presents an evening of vocal jazz from the Great American Song Book. Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington are just a few of the composers represented in this night dedicated to the the Great American Songbook and the Vocalists that brought them to life for the past 80+ years. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Bobby Darrin, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn are all celebrated on Thursday Nights. This evening Forte's Owner and veteran Big Band vocalist, Joe Clarke will be entertaining you from 7pm-10pm. 

Charlton Singleton and Contemporary Flow - Soul, Funk, and Jazz

Charlton Singleton and Contemporary Flow - Soul, Funk, and Jazz

Fri, Aug 08

Get ready for a night of groove, grit, and soul as two-time Grammy Award winner Charlton Singleton returns to Forte Jazz Lounge for a high-energy evening of Soul, Funk, and Jazz with his dynamic group Contemporary Flow. From smooth, soulful melodies to hard-hitting funk and classic jazz rhythms, this show blends instrumental brilliance with powerful vocals that are guaranteed to get your fingers snapping and your toes tappin’. Whether you’re a longtime jazz lover or just looking for a good time, this performance promises an unforgettable musical experience full of rhythm, energy, and excitement. Come ready to move. Come ready to groove. Charlton Singleton - Trumpet/Vocal Chris Williams - Sax Thomas “TK” Kennedy - Guitar Stephen Washington - Keys/Vocal Tristan Cills - Bass/Vocal James “JT” Rollerson - Drums 

Echoes of Ella: The Music of Ella Fitzgerald performed by Alva Anderson

Echoes of Ella: The Music of Ella Fitzgerald performed by Alva Anderson

Sat, Aug 09

A Tribute to the First Lady of Song featuring Alva Anderson Step into a world of timeless swing, velvet vocals, and pure jazz elegance as acclaimed vocalist Alva Anderson pays heartfelt tribute to the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. With her rich, expressive tone and magnetic stage presence, Alva brings Ella’s legendary catalog to life—from the playful charm of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” to the breathtaking beauty of “Misty” and the scat-sparked joy of “How High the Moon.” Backed by a stellar jazz ensemble, Echoes of Ella is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy and the golden age of jazz. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering her magic for the first time, this unforgettable night promises swing, soul, and plenty of sparkle. Piano - Bass - John Kennedy Drums - Josh Hoover Sax - Kevin Patton 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Aug 13

Brett Belanger is a highly accomplished and sought after bassist. He leads this trio of A-list musicians, Abdiel Iriarte on Piano and Ron Wiltrout on Drums. They cover great American Jazz Standards as well as more contemporary material from the Bebop era. From time time, they include some of their own compositions. Come in for a relaxing night listening to great performances. Join us every Wednesday for an amazing jazz set performed by Charleston's best. 

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

Thu, Aug 14

Forte Jazz Lounge presents an evening of vocal jazz from the Great American Song Book. Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington are just a few of the composers represented in this night dedicated to the the Great American Songbook and the Vocalists that brought them to life for the past 80+ years. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Bobby Darrin, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn are all celebrated on Thursday Nights. This evening Forte's Owner and veteran Big Band vocalist, Joe Clarke will be entertaining you from 7pm-10pm. 

Echoes Through the Bell

Echoes Through the Bell

Fri, Aug 15

Join bassist Brett Belanger and his trio—Demetrius Doctor on piano and Ron Wiltrout on drums—for an unforgettable night celebrating the enduring legacy of jazz trumpet masters. With special guests Mark Sterbank on tenor saxophone and Charlton Singleton on trumpet, Echoes Through the Bell pays tribute to the sound, soul, and spirit of legendary jazz trumpeters past and present. From the fire of Dizzy Gillespie to the introspection of Miles Davis, this concert will explore the rich tones and stories that have flowed through the bell of the horn for generations. A night of deep grooves, lyrical solos, and timeless melodies—experience the echoes that continue to shape the sound of jazz. 

Legacy: Greatest R&B and Motown Hits of the 60's, 70's & 80's

Legacy: Greatest R&B and Motown Hits of the 60's, 70's & 80's

Sat, Aug 16

Charles Grant leads this Vocal trio through the greatest R&B and Motown Hits of the 60's, 70's & 80's such as Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stylistics and More! 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Aug 20

Brett Belanger is a highly accomplished and sought after bassist. He leads this trio of A-list musicians, Abdiel Iriarte on Piano and Ron Wiltrout on Drums. They cover great American Jazz Standards as well as more contemporary material from the Bebop era. From time time, they include some of their own compositions. Come in for a relaxing night listening to great performances. Join us every Wednesday for an amazing jazz set performed by Charleston's best. 

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

Thu, Aug 21

Forte Jazz Lounge presents an evening of vocal jazz from the Great American Song Book. Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington are just a few of the composers represented in this night dedicated to the the Great American Songbook and the Vocalists that brought them to life for the past 80+ years. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Bobby Darrin, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn are all celebrated on Thursday Nights. This evening Forte's Owner and veteran Big Band vocalist, Joe Clarke will be entertaining you from 7pm-10pm. 

Sinatra: Nothing But The Best | Joe Clarke & Forte Jazz Quartet

Sinatra: Nothing But The Best | Joe Clarke & Forte Jazz Quartet

Fri, Aug 22

The Forte Jazz Quartet backs up Joe Clarke as he performs from the vast collection of Sinatra Hits! This is one of Forte Jazz Lounge's most popular shows. You'll hear iconic songs made famous by Frank Sinatra like; Fly me to the Moon, I've Got you Under My Skin and Lady is a Tramp. Great Composers from that era will be on full display; Harold Arlen, Cole Porter Gershwin, Mancini to name a few. Join us for this fun and romantic evening full of great music. The band will be our house musicians; John Kennedy on Bass, Josh Hoover on Drums and Thomas Norris on Guitar. 

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Sat, Aug 23

Charles Grant is a premier vocalist with a band comprised of the finest musicians playing the very best Classic Soul, R&B, Smooth Jazz and Motown hits.