Created as a partnership between the Koger Center for the Arts and the ColaJazz Foundation, Live in the Lobby 2026 will consist of six concerts held throughout the Koger Center facility. Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.
About the Performers
Created in 2015 after an epiphany Justin Varnes had while teaching a college Jazz History course, the Jazz Legacy Project combines education with entertainment. Each show features compelling stories about the artists and their influence on American music and culture woven in between authentic performances of popular jazz songs designed to engage casual audiences.
Jazz Legacy Project: Ray Charles
Ray Charles (1930-2004) was an American soul singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century and was often referred to by contemporaries as “The Genius.” Among friends and fellow musicians, he preferred being called “Brother Ray.” He pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining elements of blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel into his music during his time with Atlantic Records. He contributed to the integration of country music, R&B, and pop music during the 60s with his crossover success on ABC Records, notably with his two Modern Sounds albums. With ABC, Charles became one of the first Black musicians to be granted artistic control by a mainstream record company.
