This inaugural edition of Canvas is a fundraiser benefiting The Schemes and Dreams Foundation. Proceeds from this event go to The Schemes and Dreams Foundation. With music all but removed from our school systems, The Schemes and Dreams provides after school music classes  in city of Atlanta’s Center of Hope and master classes in area schools. Your contributions and proceeds of the weekends events will help an at risk youth stay off the street this summer and allow them to attend our summer music camp at Morris Brown College.

Canvas is a multi- dimensional experience that fuses music, media, art and education. This edition of Canvas focuses on the many facets and influences of jazz. As one of the oldest, most respected and diverse forms of expression, Jazz has absolutely no boundaries to race, age, or religion. The Art of Jazz edition will tap into a visual and audio masterpiece which unfolds right before your eyes.

JOURNEY….the 35 year history of The Atlanta Jazz Festival through the eyes of photographer Ernie Gregory, and Jimmy Alexander who will share his timeless photography from Paschal’s and The Royal Peacock.  Also included are magnificent pieces of jazz art on loan from Blue Note Records, Jazz at Lincoln Center and other incredible artists. This exhibit is curated by Tracy Murell.

EXPERIENCE…our Vinyl Vault! Revisit the days of  a record store as you thumb thru rare and collectable vinyl. We have commissioned over 6,000 jazz albums from the legendary Earwax Records for this exhibit

EDUCATE…yourself by taking part in a panel discussion on “The Importance Of Jazz: Past, Present and Future”. The panel will include Jazz historians, educators and artist. It will be moderated for the purposes of audience participation.

ENJOY…FREE drinks, compliments of our beverage sponsors. We’ve created a line of special signature drinks that are named after popular Jazz albums for this event! Be sure to collect the souvenir cards with the recipes and support our sponsors.

VIBE…to classic and rare Jazz music played by our “Special Guest DJ”, while  multiple video screens display a variety of concerts, documentaries, videos and other rare Jazz related footage. Sheer ambiance!

ENTERTAINMENT…will take front stage with Derek Hodge( music director for Maxwell/bassist for the Robert Glasper Experiment)showcasing his array of Jazz influencesa. Jazz label BeHip Records has put together a group featuring various musicians from their label……we call them the BeHip Allstars!! There will also be a tribute performance to the late great Dr. Donald Byrd.

DANCE…and party as our “Special Guest DJ” takes control of the night and takes us on a ride with weaving through all the classic Jazz Funk, Soul,/RnB/,Hip Hop/ and House you love. No better way to burn all that FREE cocktails  out your system for a safe travel home!!!