"What we play is life." - Louis Armstrong
JAGA is proudly producing the music for
ATHENS TWILIGHT 2023!
TUESDAYS 3/28 - 4/18
One Ton Tomato - An eclectic blend of Salsa, Mambo and Latin Jazz
Swing Theory - Swing Band
Trumpet Chics
Mary & the Hot Hotty-Hots - Hot jazz and swing of the 1910's, 20's, 30's and some surprises
FRIDAY, 4/21
Big Band Athens - Big Band Athens ushers in Twilight Jazz on Friday! This 18-member band and vocalist plays '40s dance music to preserve this rich part of American culture: the Swing Era. The ensemble is born of The Classic City Band founded in 1976 and currently stirs up swing dancers of all ages! Outside of the Twilight stage, enjoy them playing regularly at popular venues like Hendershot's and numerous events in town.
Bichos Vivos - Twilight is excited to feature this current Athens favorite at Twilight Jazz on Friday night! Rooted in the Brazilian northeast region, Forró is party music driven by the accordion, triangle, Zabumba (big traditional drum), rounded out by guitar, bass, percussion, vocals, flute and violin. The closest equivalent here in the US is Zydeco with its infectious and highly danceable rhythms. Prepare to swing your hips and dance Friday night to this soulful music!
Wycliffe Gordon - We are very proud to cap our Friday night jazz by presenting Wycliffe Gordon! This iconic performer was named “Trombonist of the Year” - for the 15th time - for 2022 by the Jazz Journalists Association. A veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Gordon has worked with David Sanborn, Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Rene Marie, Dianne Reeves, Anat Cohen, Ricky Skaggs, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Joe Henderson, Eric Reed, Randy Sandke, and Branford Marsalis - to name a few!
SATURDAY, 4/22
Spondee - Electro-acoustic Improvisational Ensemble
Athens Swing Central - Swing dance performer
Fusiliers - Five veteran Athens musicians playing all-acoustic original Greengrass; Americana; Irish Modern/Trad; and Celtic Rock
Athens Tango Project
Keiko Ishibashi & Brian Smith - Ishibashi and Smith perform their favorite variety of jazz styles, from Romani and Traveler Jazz, to Latin Jazz to straight ahead swing. They bring something for everyone!
The Mendoza Brothers - Traditional Indigenous music from South North and Central America - Traditional Latin American music, Bolero, Musica Ranchera and more
Riffnotes - Instrumental standards & originals
Carpentar Academy Irish Dancers - Irish step-dancing
Danza Azteca Sr San Jose - Traditional Aztec dance
The Studio Athens Tap Dance! - Tap dance!
Christian Montcriol - Traditional French and other European dances
Tracy Brown & Jeff Lustig - Jazz, Blues & Pop
Rupam Ghosh with Ben House - North Indian classical