Our first CD has been recorded and it will be released this fall.  16 tunes representing a wide variety of our repertoire are on it.  We recorded at Soundpure Studios in Durham on July 25 and Aug. 8 and I think you’ll love it!

Nov. 12^th concert featuring Charles Lazarus is at 8pm at the Temple Theatre. Charles grew up in Sanford, went to the NC School of the Arts and to Julliard and now is one of the best trumpet players in the world.  Look at his website for details about the top orchestras he performs with and for information about his music. He will be performing his special program “Night of the Tropics” here with the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra on Nov. 12^th.  www.charleslazarus.com

Chuck Lazarus - HOMETOWN HERO now a World Class Trumpeter!

Concert Tickets are $20 Adults and $10 students/children (general admission). Call the Temple Theatre Box Office 919-774-4155 between 2pm – 6pm. The Temple Theatre is located at 120 Carthage St. in Sanford, NC 27330 (map)

HELP is needed:

For only the 2^nd time in roughly 20 years we did not receive a grant from the NC Arts Council so we really need to work hard and get customers and contributions.

HOW can you help?

1. Come to our  events and get your friends to come.  We need an extra show of support for our Nov. 12 concert because there will be many other music events that weekend for people to choose to go to.  We really need a big effort to get our word out because there is also a NC Symphony concert Civic Center on Nov. 13^th, a Beer and Music fest at Depot Park on Nov, 13^th and a music event at CCCC on Nov. 11
2. Contributions are very helpful too. (we are a non-profit) See our website for how to contribute. www.carolinajazz.com (under Contact Us)

More upcoming events:

1. Jan. 14^th concert featuring Tom Browne is at 8pm at the Temple Theatre. Browne is a trumpeter/composer/producer of some of the best known contemporary jazz hits such as “Jamaica Funk” as well as being a fine swing/bebop/ modern jazz player. Also featured on the program will be Alexander Brower.
2. March 12^th is the 3^rd annual “Swing into Spring” dance at Carolina Trace (map).

Director Gelb and guest arranger Paul Kelly previewed “Jazz Encounters Classical Music”  at Bullock and Ingram Elementary schools this week. They performed for nearyly 500 children.

The Heart of Carolina Jazz Society Presents:

“Jazz Encounters Classical Music”

Saturday April 17, 8pm and Sunday, April 18, 3pm
at the Temple Theatre – Sanford, NC

performed by The Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra,
Directed by Gregg Gelb

“Jazz Encounters Classical Music” will feature new jazz arrangements of Brahms “Hungarian Dance #5″, Debussy’s “Arabesque #1″ and “My Reverie,” “Over the Waves” by Rosas, “Going Home” (from the New World Symphony) by Dvorak and many more arranged by Gregg Gelb and guest arranger Paul Kelly.

Paul Kelly is a legendary Sanford musician. After graduation from Sanford High school in the late 1950’s, he earned a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he played with and wrote for many of the best jazz artists and bands of the time. He was staff arranger for many United States Military bands, most notably the Airmen of Note.  

Concert Tickets are $15 Adults and $5 students/children (general admission)
Call the Temple Theatre Box Office 919-774-4155 between 2pm – 6pm.
Temple Theatre is located at 120 Carthage St. in Sanford, NC 27330

OUR DANCE WAS SOLD OUT…WHAT A GREAT TIME WE ALL HAD TOO!

Our Second Annual big band dance, “Swing Into Spring,” on March 20 at the new Carolina Trace Club house was a big success. Performing for the dance was the 20 piece Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra with vocalists, Alexander Brower, Don Nedza, Kathy Gelb, Peggy Taphorn, Iris Jordan, and Trish Hamilton.

The event was from 7pm – 10pm and the Heavy Hors d’ oeuvres were excellent!

We will do it again next year

The 3rd ANNUAL DANCE will be next March 19th, 2011!

Through a grant from the Lee County Arts Council a jazz apprentice will be selected to play with the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra, which is directed by Gregg Gelb. The jazz apprentice will be expected to participate in ten events with the orchestra, most of which will be Thursday evening rehearsals in Sanford and Pittsboro and some performances either at the Temple Theatre or at Depot Park in Sanford. Two apprenticeships will be offered and each will include a $250 stipend.

In order to be considered for the Apprenticeship, the student must be between the ages of 15 – 20, and be a resident of Lee County. The student can either be a High School or Community College student and must be recommended by a music teacher. All interested students must first have the recommending teacher e-mail Director Dr. Gregg Gelb at dr.ggelb@gmail.com for an audition appointment. Auditions are open through March 15. One vocalist and one instrumentalist will be chosen.  Contact the Director, Gregg Gelb at dr.ggelb@gmail.com to set up the audition which will involve playing a piece you know well, of your choice, and a sight-reading piece.