International African American Museum to Host 2025 “Jazz in the Garden” Featuring Charlton Singleton & Friends

April 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Community Program “Jazz in The Garden” on April 19

Contact: Paul Holston, IAAM Marketing & Communications Manager, [email protected]; IAAM Marketing Division, [email protected]

International African American Museum to Host 2025 “Jazz in the Garden” Featuring Charlton Singleton & Friends

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) is delighted to announce its upcoming program on Saturday, April 19, “Jazz in the Garden: Featuring Charlton & Friends:” A vibrant afternoon of live music set against the backdrop of the museum’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden. The festivities will feature the exceptional talents of Grammy Award-winning musicians and Charleston’s own Charlton Singleton & Friends. Hosting the program will be local singer-songwriter and Executive Artistic Director of The ZD Experience Zandrina Dunning. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Cravens Foundation.

“We are honored to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with Jazz in the Garden,” said Brandon Reid, IAAM’s Public Historian. “What better way to celebrate this genre than by honoring its Lowcountry roots – sounds born of resistance, resilience, and community – in a space that uplifts ancestral legacy and cultural continuity. Jazz is more than music; it’s a living thread of the African American experience and its enduring impact on American culture.”

Singleton is a native of Awendaw, S.C. and began his musical studies at the age of three on the piano. In addition to being a musician, he is a speaker, clinician, composer, arranger and the founding member of the Grammy® Award-nominated band Ranky Tanky, a quintet group that interprets the sounds of Gullah from the Southeast Coast of the United States. His dynamic performances and deep musical knowledge have captivated audiences worldwide.

This year’s program highlights the deep connections between jazz and Gullah traditions, featuring a special Ring Shout workshop led by Singleton. The day will continue with a Creative Dance Workshop led by acclaimed movement artist Jordan Maria, culminating in an electrifying performance from Charlton & Friends.

The day will be filled with an unforgettable experience for the local community, music lovers and museum visitors alike. Guests are invited to gather in the IAAM’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden to enjoy the performance and workshops in comfort – complete with complimentary Southern barbecue from the legendary Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ.

Details:
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025 
Time: 11:00AM to 3:00 PM EDT 
Location: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401 
Tickets: Tickets for youth and adults are free and can be purchased in advance [REGISTER HERE!]. Please note that the museum will still be operating on a normal Saturday schedule and to enter the museum guests must have purchased tickets.

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About the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and LinkedIn.