The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

The Great American Songbook featuring Joe Clarke

Thu, Oct 30

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. 

Big Band Saturday Night:  It's Joe Clarke's Birthday

Big Band Saturday Night: It's Joe Clarke's Birthday

Sat, Nov 01

Owner of Forte Jazz Lounge celebrates his birthday in spectacular form by singing his favorite tunes in front of the 17 piece Forte Big Band under the direction of Frank Duvall. Joe Clarke will be covering, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, Harry Connick Jr and so much more. Joe Clarke has entertained audiences for over 30 years. You are guaranteed to be impressed by this very special production. 

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

The Brett Belanger Trio - Instrumental Jazz Series

Wed, Nov 05

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, Nov 06

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. 

Fusion Frontiers: A Tribute to Jazz's Electric Innovators

Fusion Frontiers: A Tribute to Jazz's Electric Innovators

Fri, Nov 07

Prepare to be transported into the electrifying world of modern jazz! This exclusive performance brings together the visionary sounds of jazz legends and contemporary titans. Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking compositions and improvisational genius of Herbie Hancock, the intricate rhythms of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, and the raw energy of Tribal Tech. Feel the unparalleled guitar prowess of Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour, groove to the sophisticated sounds of the Yellowjackets and Jeff Lorber, and experience the innovative, genre-bending collective that is Snarky Puppy. This isn't just a concert; it's a journey through the evolution of jazz fusion, showcasing artists who have continually pushed boundaries and redefined the genre. Whether you're a long-time jazz enthusiast or new to the scene, you'll be captivated by the virtuosic musicianship and dynamic performances. Join us for an unforgettable night that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Get your tickets now and experience "Fusion Frontiers" live! Josh Hoover - Drums Thomas Norris - Guitar Brett Belanger - Electric Bass Kevin Patton - Sax Abdiel Iriarte - Piano, Keys, Music Direction 

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, Nov 08

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. Vocals - Alva Anderson 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, Nov 12

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, Nov 13

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, Nov 14

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 

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, Nov 15

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, Nov 19

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, Nov 20

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. 

Horace Silver - The Hardbop Grandpop

Horace Silver - The Hardbop Grandpop

Fri, Nov 21

This show will cover one of the great Bebop Jazz musicians of all time, Horace Silver. With the inclusion of Award winning Jazz Flautist Dave Heywood and his deep dive into this music, you will get a thorough experience of one of the early developers of the sound we call Bebop. The band is led by Brett Belanger on Bass, on piano, Abdiel Iriarte and Ron Wiltrout on Drums. 

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant

Sat, Nov 22

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. 

Joe Clarke Trio

Joe Clarke Trio

Fri, Nov 28

Forte Jazz Lounge's Owner, Joe Clarke plays piano and sings your favorite jazz standards. Joe is joined by John Kennedy on Bass and Josh Hoover on Drums. Feel free to drop in for a while, have a bite and a beverage and enjoy a relaxing night of jazz. Joe Clarke, Owner of Forte Jazz Lounge, has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. He has led his own big band and small groups as well. On this night, he'll be at the piano singing his favorite songs from his many influences; Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett. He may also play a few tunes from his other shows that feature Billy Joel, Elton John and Phil Collins. He is joined by his house bandmates: John Kennedy - Bass Josh Hoover- Drums 

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: A Tribute

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: A Tribute

Sat, Nov 29

Experience the fiery, swinging legacy of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers in this electrifying tribute at Charleston's Only Listening, Forte Jazz Lounge. Led by musical director and pianist Abdiel Iriarte, this all-star band brings the energy and soul of one of jazz's most iconic groups to life. Featuring renowned Charleston musicians Mark Rapp on trumpet, Kevin Patton on saxophone, Gavin Smith on trombone, Brett Belanger on bass, and Josh Hoover on drums, the ensemble will channel the hard-bop spirit of the Messengers. Get ready for an evening of powerful rhythms, soulful melodies, and dynamic improvisations that honor Blakey’s legendary contribution to jazz. Don’t miss this chance to hear some of the most influential tunes in jazz history performed live by an incredible lineup.