Step into the intimate atmosphere of Forte Jazz Lounge for a journey through the heart of the American Songbook! Join our very own Joe Clarke, the voice behind Forte, as he brings his warm and engaging style to timeless classics made famous by legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Darin. Joe will be accompanied by a stellar trio of Charleston's finest musicians: the steady groove of John Kennedy on bass, and the impeccable rhythm of Josh Hoover on drums. Whether you're a longtime admirer of these iconic vocalists or simply appreciate expertly played and heartfelt jazz, this is an evening you won't want to miss. We have two opportunities for you to soak in the sounds: our first set kicks off at 7:00 PM, followed by a late show at 9:30 PM. Come on down to Forte and let us transport you to a world of sophisticated melodies and swinging rhythms! 

Get ready to swing into action this July 5th! The Forte Big Band, a sensational 17-piece orchestra, under the direction of Frank Duvall, proudly presents a dazzling tribute to the iconic Andrews Sisters. Joined by the Fortettes—Jenna Bohannon, Andrea Catangay, and Veronica Wright—experience the timeless harmonies and infectious energy of the 1940s. A perfect blend of big band sound and classic vocal stylings, this is one show you won't want to miss! 

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. 

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. 

Prepare to be swept away by the smooth and captivating sounds of contemporary jazz as we welcome you to an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance. We are thrilled to present a specially curated performance that will celebrate the timeless artistry of some of the most iconic smooth jazz performers from the 80s, 90s, and beyond. Featuring the incomparable music of David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr., Jeff Lorber, Bob James, Pat Metheny, Spyro Gyra and more, this extraordinary concert will take you on a journey through the golden age of contemporary and smooth jazz. Backed by a world-class ensemble of virtuosic musicians, you'll be mesmerized by the rich harmonies, infectious grooves, and masterful improvisations that define this beloved genre. Whether you're a longtime devotee of contemporary jazz or discovering these legendary artists for the first time, this concert promises to be an evening of pure musical bliss. From the silky smooth sax lines of David Sanborn to the shimmering electric piano of Bob James, each performance will leave you transported, igniting your senses and stirring your soul. Don't miss your chance to experience the timeless magic of contemporary and smooth jazz live on stage. Get your tickets now for this unforgettable evening and get ready to be swept away by the musical mastery of these revered jazz titans. Jon Phillips - Sax Thomas Norris - Electric Guitar John F. Kennedy - Electric Bass Josh Hoover - Drums 

Forte Jazz Lounge presents the genius of Ray Charles. Charles Grant sings and is backed up by the Forte show band as well as the Fortettes!! Charles Grant - Host/Lead Vocals John Kennedy - Bass Josh Hoover - Drums Thomas Norris - Guitar Horn Section: Jon Phillips - Sax/Vocals Brian Bohannon - Trumpet/Vocals Carrie Bates - Trombone/Vocals The Fortettes: Jenna Bohannon - Vocals Andrea Catangay - Vocals Veronica Wright - Vocals 

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. 

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. 

An intriguing journey where classic Motown grooves collide with the spirit of jazz. From the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” reimagined through Coltrane’s lens, to Rick James going Bossa Nova, Motown Meets Jazz explores the deep connections between jazz and the Motown sound. Celebrate legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and The Meters with jazz-infused arrangements, original compositions, and iconic tunes like “Super Freak,” “What’s Going On,” and “My Cherie Amour.” Tied together by stories of Berry Gordy’s jazz roots and the 1960s cultural revolution, this show is a bold, joyful tribute to the music that moved a generation. 

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! 

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. 

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 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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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