Grammy-nominated artist Raul Midón performs at Emory University's Jazz Fest

Emory University’s Jazz Fest returns this month with free lectures, masterclasses, and concerts, Feb. 3-5. The acclaimed guitarist and Grammy-award nominated artist Raul Midón is a guest soloist, performing with the Gary Motley trio. Professor and jazz performer Gary Motley is also the director of Emory’s jazz studies program and joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom along with Midon to talk about the history of the Jazz Fest and this year’s roster of special events. 

Emory’s Jazz Fest began as a residency program shortly after opening the university’s renowned music hall, the Schwartz Center, in 2003. Just before its opening, jazz legend Dave Brubeck had come to Emory for a residency at their previous venue, the Glenn Auditorium. The experience of collaborating with Brubeck inspired Motley and colleagues to propose that Emory, from then on, make a point of hosting just such residencies for national jazz artists. 

“The main thing that we wanted to do in addition to the artists being here was giving the students access to these artists and the community. So the community engagement component really took off,” said Motley. “The students were really enjoying this, and we’ve had quite the track record. So I’m excited that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the residency program.”