Winelight: An Evening of Contemporary and Smooth Jazz

Winelight: An Evening of Contemporary and Smooth Jazz

Fri, May 09

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 performes 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. Abdiel Iriarte - Keyboards/Musical Direction Jon Phillips - Sax Thomas Norris - Electric Guitar John F. Kennedy - Electric Bass Josh Hoover - 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, May 10

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 - Abdiel Iriarte Bass - John Kennedy Drums - Josh Hoover Sax - Kevin Patton 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, May 14

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, May 15

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. 

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

Fri, May 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! 

Giants of Jazz Guitar with Jackson Evans

Giants of Jazz Guitar with Jackson Evans

Sat, May 17

Guitarist Jackson Evans is a staple of the Low Country jazz community. He is known for his partnership with bassist and singer Maggie Evans and leading his own trio, but can also be heard with the Jody Espina Trio, the Martin Lesch band, and occasionally as a guest with the gypsy-honkytonk outfit, Velvet Caravan. His style is energetic, rhythmic, and draws deeply from the jazz tradition while maintaining a quirky individualism culled from the influence of other music. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Music from Utah State University in his hometown, Logan, Utah. After graduating in 2004, he and Maggie relocated to Savannah, Georgia and began to establish themselves as performers. In 2013, the couple were invited to perform a six month residency at the prestigious JZ Club in Hangzhou, China as co-leaders of a quartet (a follow-up to the previous year in residence at another club in Hangzhou). As an ardent supporter of music education, Jackson has maintained a private studio, taught in community settings, and mentored young musicians. He is an active member of the Jazz Education Network and was selected to present at their 2018 conference in New Orleans. Outside of his performance schedule, Jackson is a faculty member at the Hilton Head Jazz Camp, serves on the board of directors for the Junior Jazz Foundation, and works for Benedetto Guitars as Customer Relations Manager, Sales Manager, and Marketing Director. Jackson is joined by the Brett Belanger Trio; Brett Belanger on Bass, Quentin Baxter on Drums and Abdiel on Piano 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, May 21

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, May 22

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, May 23

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; Abdiel Iriarte on piano, 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, May 24

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. 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, May 28

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, May 29

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. 

Winelight: An Evening of Contemporary and Smooth Jazz

Winelight: An Evening of Contemporary and Smooth Jazz

Fri, May 30

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 performes 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. Abdiel Iriarte - Keyboards/Musical Direction Jon Phillips - Sax Thomas Norris - Electric Guitar John F. Kennedy - Electric Bass Josh Hoover - Drums 

An Evening with Joe Clarke: Crooner Classics & Requests

An Evening with Joe Clarke: Crooner Classics & Requests

Sat, May 31

An Evening with Joe Clarke: Crooner Classics & Requests Live at Forte Jazz Lounge Step into the golden age of jazz with Joe Clarke, owner of Forte Jazz Lounge and one of the Lowcountry’s finest vocalists, as he brings the timeless charm of the crooner era to life. With a style often compared to legends like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Darin, Joe delivers a smooth, sophisticated performance that feels like velvet on a summer night. Backed by a stellar Quartet featuring Abdiel Iriarte on piano, John Kennedy on bass, and Josh Hoover on drums, Thomas Norris on Guitar, Joe will take you on a journey through the Great American Songbook—swinging standards, heartfelt ballads, and toe-tapping tunes. And in true lounge spirit, he’s opening the floor to your favorite requests—so come ready to hear the songs you love, sung with style, soul, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you're sipping a cocktail or singing along, this is an evening of jazz you won't want to miss. 

Forte Sunday Jazz Jam and Open Mic Night

Forte Sunday Jazz Jam and Open Mic Night

Sun, Jun 01

Sunday nights will be for musicians of all levels to perform and gain stage experience and network with other musicians. Musicians of all experience levels are welcome to join the Sunday house musicians. If you play these instruments, pianists don't need to bring anything, Bassists will need their own instrument but will need to plug into the house GK Bass amp, Drummers need only bring a stick bag. In the interest of flow, switching out of snares and cymbals is not necessary. We have a house guitar amp that will be available. For those who wish to listen, come and enjoy many up and coming jazz hobbyists and students as they perform great jazz standards. Performers will be able to sign in at the door and list the tunes or what they wish to perform. For musicians, it's possible to call a tune on stage or fulfill a request from the audience but have an idea of what you want to perform so we can keep the music flowing for the audience. Singers, know your keys before you get on stage. If you perform spoken word, poetry, essays, comedy or theatrical monologues, please understand, we are a family friendly establishment. Subject matter and language need to be clean. Attempts to test this rule will not be tolerated. Audience member price is $20 online and at the door. Entry for performers is $10 at the door only. This does not extend to family and friends of performers. For this to be successful, we will need support. 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Jun 04

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, Jun 05

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 Latin Jazz Series Present a Night of Brazilian Jazz

Forte Latin Jazz Series Present a Night of Brazilian Jazz

Fri, Jun 06

Musical direction by pianist Abdiel Iriarte featuring Duda Lucena interpreting Brazilian Jazz Classics and some of his Original Compositions. Duda Lucena - Guitar/Vocals Ron Wiltrout - Drums/Percussion Brett Belanger - Bass Abdiel Iriarte - Piano/Music Direction 

Swingin' Together:  A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee

Swingin' Together: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee

Sat, Jun 07

Alright cats and kittens, get ready to swing into high gear here at Forte Jazz Lounge at Charleston's Only Listening Room. This show is layin' down a heaping helping of Big Band swagger and sophistication, a real tip of the hat to two giants who defined cool: the one and only Frank Sinatra, and the incomparable Peggy Lee. Your host for the evening, Forte's own Joe Clarke, will be croonin' some of Frankie's most iconic hits. And hold on to your hats, because the sensational Jenna Bohannon, our very own girl singer with the Forte Big Band, will be bringin' that Peggy Lee magic to the stage. It's gonna be an evening of classic tunes, smooth sounds, and that unmistakable Big Band vibe. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's celebrate the legends right here at Forte! You dig? 

Forte Sunday Jazz Jam and Open Mic Night

Forte Sunday Jazz Jam and Open Mic Night

Sun, Jun 08

Sunday nights will be for musicians of all levels to perform and gain stage experience and network with other musicians. Musicians of all experience levels are welcome to join the Sunday house musicians. If you play these instruments, pianists don't need to bring anything, Bassists will need their own instrument but will need to plug into the house GK Bass amp, Drummers need only bring a stick bag. In the interest of flow, switching out of snares and cymbals is not necessary. We have a house guitar amp that will be available. For those who wish to listen, come and enjoy many up and coming jazz hobbyists and students as they perform great jazz standards. Performers will be able to sign in at the door and list the tunes or what they wish to perform. For musicians, it's possible to call a tune on stage or fulfill a request from the audience but have an idea of what you want to perform so we can keep the music flowing for the audience. Singers, know your keys before you get on stage. If you perform spoken word, poetry, essays, comedy or theatrical monologues, please understand, we are a family friendly establishment. Subject matter and language need to be clean. Attempts to test this rule will not be tolerated. Audience member price is $20 online and at the door. Entry for performers is $10 at the door only. This does not extend to family and friends of performers. For this to be successful, we will need support.