Jazz Legacy Project

What is the Jazz Legacy Project?

How did John Coltrane influence hip-hop? Why is Billie Holiday's voice so unique? How did Dave Brubeck force pro-civil rights policy in the South?

Created in 2015 after an epiphany Justin Varnes had while teaching a college Jazz History course, the Jazz Legacy Project combines education with entertainment. Each show features compelling stories about the artists and their influence on American music and culture woven in between authentic performances of popular jazz songs designed to engage casual audiences.

"It's a jazz concert and music appreciation class in one...oh, and they play their behinds off, too!" - Tamara Fuller, Velvet Note

Featured Shows:

Jazz Legacy Project presents Billie Holiday - God Bless the Child

Featuring Actress/Vocalist Maria Howell, come hear Holiday's inspiring story her iconic music while learning about Holiday's importance both on and off the stage.

John Coltrane: The Beauty of Struggle

'Trane's music directly shaped R&B, Soul, and eventually Hip-hop. Learn how & why, while also being inspired by his battle to overcome early childhood trauma and missed opportunities to create some of the most indelible and important music of the 20th century.

School Assembly Programs

20-plus Years Experience

Members of the Jazz Legacy Project have been educators and community music program leaders for over two decades, teaching and leading programs and institutions such as:

  • University of Miami

  • Georgia Tech University

  • The Lovett School

  • Young Audiences

  • Atlanta Music Project

  • Rialto Jazz for Kids

  • Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra

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College Programs

JLP offers clinics and residencies for college programs. This includes work with the jazz bands as well as presentations for the larger survey courses, such as music appreciation.

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Jazz/Music Appreciation as Community Outreach

We have presented an A/V program combined with narration and Q&A of several of our shows in the Fulton County Library system, as well as live performances in the Fulton County Library System and many Senior/Active Adult Communities.

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Elementary Programs

  • 45-60-minute program introducing K-5 students to jazz and how jazz works. 

  • The program includes involving volunteers to play and/or dance at the end of the program.

  • We work with each school's music teacher to create classroom augmentation in our presentations.

Middle School and High School Programs

Options include working directly with the jazz ensembles or performing and doing master classes for the entire band/orchestra program.

Our group can cover each major instrument group: winds, percussion, piano, and strings.

If we are touring with a vocalist, we can include choral programs as well.

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Q&A sessions pre/post-show

We offer an opportunity for a Q&A session before or after our performance. This can be offered as a VIP ticket or open to the public. The Q&A sessions can include musical performances as well.

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Class Act Performing Artists & Speakers

Founded in 1986, Class Act Inc., has become the largest most diversified performing artists and speakers bureau. Serving the USA and the World.
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Special thanks to our sponsors at Marriott International.

Contact Us

Call Us: (800) 808-0917

Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST

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About Class Act

Founded in 1986, Class Act Inc., has become the largest most diversified performing artists and speakers bureau. Diversity in all areas of the arts entertainment and sports is our calling card. We have grown and prospered because of our reputation with discerning clients throughout the world. You can be certain of our promise for the utmost attention and focus on every detail of your event.
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