More than the music: An Elegant Evening of Jazz merges music and community creatively on July 23rd

Jazz.

It is one of the more artistic, creative, and expressive music and art forms around. The innovative spirit is an underlying theme and presence, as it can stir the soul and be a foundation for inspiration.

In this creative spirit, Dr. Shenita Connally, the host of Life With Shenita, is leading a tremendous undertaking which is yet an extension of her principle and purpose to not only support the art form, but to be a community bridge builder to reach back and support others. Among her multiple titles of being a widow, mother, grandmother, professional, heart-attack survivor, and author, as a self-aware Child of God, she is using her gifts, time, and talents to leave a positive footprint across multiple spaces and places.

April 2016 (after the death of her husband and her health hurdle) is when the vision for Life After the Rain comes to fruition. As a way to provide support and related access to resources for widows and widowers, the underlying premise is to let said audience know that people truly care about them. Via health and interrelated programs and support, providing a sense of empowerment, encouragement, and enrichment is integral to what is done.

And in extending these themes, comes a "can't miss" endeavor fostered from her and her late husband's love and passion for jazz (you may view the video/trailer below):

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the inaugural event, "An Elegant Evening of Jazz" provides the immediate community, including lovers of the music and art form, an empowering and entertaining evening to embrace the art form and support multiple community-centered causes. The host venue is Spivey Hall (located on the campus of Clayton State University at 2000 Clayton State Blvd in Morrow, GA), one of the Metro-Atlanta area's more intimate venues music and more.

The doors open at 4pm as guests are welcomed by the Martha Ellen Stillwell Trio/Quartet, a tremendous student-ensemble who is scheduled to perform and provide a positive energy during the pre-show/meet and greet time (you may view Dr. Connally's interview and the complete playlist with artist videos and more):

The start time of the concert is 5pm and features three truly amazing artists who are at the forefront of the jazz scene and culture. Featured artists Brooke Alford (violinist), Dee Lucas (saxophonist), and Kim Scott (flutist) are lending their time and talents for a truly outstanding music and concert experience for all. Combined with the synergy and creative energy of WCLK's Morris Baxter (the host Morris in the Morning) as the host, all points to a truly special evening (to view Kim Scott's trailer, you may watch below):

2Queens Productions is working in collaboration with Life With Shenita for this event.

Among the community-centered organizations supported from the event include the previously mentioned Life After the Rain, the Martha Ellen Stillwell School of the Arts Jazz Program, along with interrelated youth empowerment and programming for Clayton County Public Schools.

Ticket purchases are primarily available through the Spivey Hall box office (click HERE to visit the website). For additional information about the event along with the larger work of Life With Shenita, you may visit their website (click HERE) along with contacting via email (scottshenita@aol.com) and phone (404-429-8288).

After the event, an after-party is scheduled (July 23, 2023) at 8:30pm at 404 Sports Bar and Grill (1000 Southlake Circle in Morrow, GA).

Enjoying the joy of jazz typically provides a good experience and outing. To lend support to some community causes in an intimate setting at a key venue only adds to the experience.

Elegance indeed.