Black Notes Project

Prince, who would have turned 66 this year, had a strong connection to jazz. According to Mayte Garcia, during her highly publicized marriage to Prince, he listened to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue album every single night for a very long period of time - to the point where she has declared “I can sing that entire album in my sleep!”

Today, Mayte is engaged to Sir Niels Lan Doky, a renowned Danish jazz pianist who was knighted in 2010 for his contributions to jazz music. He has been called “The best pianist of his generation” (Swing Journal, Japan) and “fresh and provocative” (New York Times).

Hence, a collaboration on a jazz celebration of Prince was a natural calling for Niels and Mayte.  So Mayte delved into Prince’s vast catalog of iconic songs to select material for Niels to arrange and rework into jazz standards. During this show, Mayte will deliver compelling background stories and anecdotes about each song that Niels will perform with the breathtaking French bass virtuoso François Moutin, New York City’s hottest new jazz trumpet star, Wallace Roney Jr., and drummer Billy Kilson.

Join us at Booth Playhouse for a concert featuring an impressive display of young talent. Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra led by Conductor Ian Passmore as they play a jazz-inspired repertoire from a diverse array of composers and arrangers. Bring the whole family for an outing that will delight all ages! General Admission tickets for adults are $15. General Admission tickets for students are free.

Learn More About CSYO

Since their first show in 2016, under the direction of legendary Atlanta arranger music director Chris Moten, Trap Jazz has been able to perform its own signature brand of genre-bending Jazz alongside the likes of Terrace Martin, Christian Scott, GhostNotes, Quincy Jones, and many more. 

At the heart of Sainted's allure is the 25+ person choir and star-studded band that promises an unforgettable experience. Sainted Trap Choir offers audiences an eclectic range of musical achievement. Paying homage to the Southern Black Church experience, Sainted highlights the spectrum of Black musical excellence throughout the decades and takes you on a journey that identifies Black church music as the bedrock of countless musical traditions–including Jazz. In the realm of immersive musical experiences, Sainted stands unparalleled.

Come see Trap Jazz and Sainted Trap Choir take the stage together paying tribute to music legends Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald!

Sunday, January 19, 8-11 pm @ Lorem Ipsum: BNP Kickoff Kickback featuring DJ Rob Swift  (reservations recommended)

Monday, January 20, 10 am-5 pm: Join Black Notes Project at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture for MLK Day 2025: Designing The Future, featuring programming for all ages—including music from BNP friend Tim Scott Jr.

Thursday, January 23, 6-8:30 pm @ The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Founders Reception w/ music from DJ Mina Marie and Charlotte Symphony Youth musicians.

Friday, January 24, 8 pm @ Booth Playhouse: “Purple Is A Beautiful Thing: A Jazz Celebration of Prince,” hosted by Mayte Garcia w/ the Niels Lan Doky Experience

Saturday, January 25, 1 pm @ Booth Playhouse: “A Symphony of Jazz,” The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra w/ special guests

Saturday, January 25, 8 pm @ Knight Theater: “The Evolution of Jazz,” ft. Sainted Trap Choir and Trap Jazz

Sunday, January 26, 2 pm @ The Mint Museum Uptown: Documentary Film Screening of Trap Jazz (2023) followed by discussion and Q&A. FREE w/ signup.