Swing U

Join guitarist and educator Justin Poindexter as he takes you through a tour of the 1920s and the emergence of some of Jazz’s most legendary artists – hear the early works of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and more as we explore how the music helped shape the culture of the 1920s.

In Jazz 101, we will guide you through the history and development of various jazz styles. Students will develop their ears to hear the many details and intricacies that make this music so endlessly fascinating. Instructor and Swing University curator Seton Hawkins will provide your introduction to jazz; no musical knowledge is required.

The 1940s saw the emergence of a new style of music: BeBop, performed by legendary artists like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others, seemed to represent a new revolution in Jazz. But what is BeBop? Is it different from earlier approaches to Jazz, and how does it sit in the overall context of music in the 1940s? Master educator and musician Loren Schoenberg guides you through this question and explores some of the decades’ greatest works.

The past quarter-century of Jazz has seen extraordinary innovators enter the scene, new styles of Jazz emerge, and born witness to massive technological changes in how we hear and consume music. Iconic DJ and Jazz scholar Nicole Sweeney guides you through the story of Jazz in the 21st Century

Jazz’s first genius tenor saxophone legend, and one of the most influential instrumentalists in music history, Coleman Hawkins remains to this day one of the most towering innovators of music. Saxophonist Walter Blanding will guide you through the life and artistry of this true original.

Trombonist Art Baron not only stands as a living legend of music, he also lays claim as the final trombonist hired by Duke Ellington to join the orchestra in Duke’s lifetime. Joined by Justin Poindexter, Art will walk you though his own experiences on the road and stage with Duke Ellington, as well as share histories on other masters of the music.

While the 1970s stands in Jazz’s history as the pinnacle of the Jazz-Rock Fusion style, the full range of musical innovations of the decade cover even more ground. Join Seton Hawkins as he walks you through a fascinating, exciting, and highly transformative decade of the music.

Perhaps the most important and influential pianist of Jazz of the latter half of the 20th century, McCoy Tyner changed the face of Jazz piano, first through his work in the legendary John Coltrane Quartet, then through extraordinary sessions and ensembles of his own. Pianist Aaron Rimbui joins Seton Hawkins in discussing the impact of this legend.

Historian, writer, and legendary scholar Joe Conzo dives into the music and impact of one of the most innovative bandleaders in music history: Machito! Join us for an exploration of one of the most influential and foundational figures in the creation of Latin Jazz.

As we celebrate the centennial of iconic trumpet legend Kenny Dorham, we will be joined by one of his daughters, Evette Dorham, for a three-week dive into the life, music, and impact of this brilliant Jazz legend.