New beginnings for art, jazz, community...

One of the joys of working in the arts is that every season brings a new opportunity to grow, stretch, and make room for something fresh.

After 12 years of programming the Jazz Stage at Arts in the Heart of Augusta, I’ll be moving into a new role with the Community Stage as the festival brings the Jazz Stage and Soul Suite together into one Jazz/Soul Stage experience.

And honestly? It feels right.

For nearly 15 years, I programmed a wide range of music at the Saturday Market at the River—jazz, soul, gospel, folk, R&B, country, youth performers, spoken word, and community artists finding their voice in front of a live audience. The Community Stage feels like a return to that broader creative space: a place where familiar faces, emerging artists, and new collaborations can all meet.

At the same time, Candlelight Jazz is returning as a more intimate jazz experience—something closer to the spirit of the Soirée gatherings we once hosted monthly at the Jessye Norman School and Humanitree House. Smaller rooms. Deeper listening. Real connection between artists and audiences.

Across the arts, organizations are navigating change, restructuring, budget challenges, and venue shifts. But the Greater Augusta Arts Council continues to model resilience and creativity - finding ways to adapt while keeping artists and community at the center.

For Growing Augusta, this feels like a natural evolution. Arts and culture thrive when we honor tradition, welcome new voices, and stay open to collaboration.

Here’s to fresh stages, familiar faces, new musical connections, and a very musical Fall 2026. 🎶🌱