South Carolina Public Radio has announced the return of ColaJazz Presents, a collaborative radio series produced in partnership with The ColaJazz Foundation. The weekly, one-hour program airs Sundays from 8 to 9 p.m. on all SC Public Radio stations and features live concert performances and intimate artist interviews celebrating South Carolina’s vibrant jazz scene.
Now in its fifth season, the series highlights performances from the Koger Center for the Arts’ “Live in the Lobby” concert series, recorded live in the venue’s grand lobby. From timeless tributes to Sinatra and Coltrane to soulful Motown and Latin jazz celebrations, the program continues to showcase the energy, artistry and creative depth of South Carolina’s jazz community.
Hosted by Mark Rapp, ColaJazz Presents spotlights some of the Palmetto State’s most accomplished jazz musicians. Mark Rapp is a nationally recognized jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and arts advocate. His work bridges performance, education, and cultural entrepreneurship. As founder and executive director of the ColaJazz Foundation, Rapp has shaped one of the Southeast’s most vibrant jazz ecosystems—presenting major festivals, statewide education outreach, recording projects and artist-driven programs. His playing, described as lyrical and modern, is rooted in the jazz tradition while pushing creative boundaries. With a global performance resume and deep commitment to community impact, Rapp exemplifies the power of jazz to educate, inspire and transform.
Concerts featured this season include performances by Joe Gransden, Jane Monheit, Don Braden, Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Kevin Bales, Jeremy Davenport, Iliana Rose and Gino Castillo.
Here is a glimpse into what listeners can expect this season:
Oct. 5 – Joe Gransden: A Tribute to the Crooners – Sinatra and Bennett
Celebrate the legendary voices of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden brings these timeless songs to life with charm, swing and heartfelt style. With 16 albums and international acclaim, Joe is joined by an all-star trio— Kenny Banks on piano, Sam Edwards on bass and Khristopher Phelps on drums.
Oct. 12 – Coltrane Special: The Gentle Side of a Giant
A tribute to saxophone legend John Coltrane is paid. Though his life was brief, his impact on jazz was profound. Explore the gentler, more lyrical side of Coltrane’s legacy, as performed by the Ed Fuqua Quartet— featuring saxophonist Dan Greenblatt, pianist Dave Marck, drummer Ocie Davis and bassist Ed Fuqua.
Oct. 19 – Jane Monheit: The Great American Songbook
Celebrated vocalist Jane Monheit graces the stage with her signature blend of elegance and emotion. With numerous acclaimed albums and collaborations with jazz greats, Jane brings the timeless beauty of the Great American Songbook to life. She’s joined by Michael Cain on piano, Luka Alamano on bass and Curtis Nowosad on drums.
Oct. 26 – Don Braden: The Music of Billy Strayhorn
Honor the legacy of composer Billy Strayhorn. Renowned saxophonist and flutist Don Braden leads the tribute, joined by pianist Keith Davis, bassist Z Slaughter, drummer Khristopher Phelps and host Mark Rapp. Together, they explore the story and sound of Strayhorn— composer, activist and Duke Ellington’s right hand.
Nov. 2 – Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson: Crescent City Swing
Enjoy the vibrant spirit of New Orleans with alto saxophonist Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson. A longtime member of Wynton Marsalis’s bands, Anderson brings infectious swing and soulful energy to the stage. He’s joined by Chris Burroughs on drums and Neal Wauchope on organ for a lively, groove-filled set.
Nov. 9 – Kevin Bales: The Music of Mister Rogers
Grammy-nominated pianist Kevin Bales leads a heartwarming tribute to the music of Mister Rogers. Joined by vocalist Roberta Setzu, bassist Billy Thornton and drummer Larry Wilson, Bales reimagines Fred Rogers’s beloved songs with jazz warmth and sophistication.
Nov. 16 – Rod Foster and Brittany Turnipseed: A Motown Celebration
Groove to the unforgettable sounds of Motown. Vocalist Brittany Turnipseed joins guitarist and bandleader Rod Foster for a soulful tribute to the music that moved a generation. With rich harmonies, deep rhythms and undeniable charisma, this performance captures the heart and spirit of the Motown era.
Nov. 23 – Jeremy Davenport: Crescent City Crooner
Welcome New Orleans vocalist and trumpeter Jeremy Davenport. Known for his velvet voice and lyrical storytelling, Jeremy brings charm and swagger to every song. He’s joined by Kevin Bales on piano, Reggie Sullivan on bass and Kristopher Phelps on drums.
Nov. 30 – Iliana Rose and Gino Castillo: Latin Jazz Celebration
Celebrate Latin jazz's fiery rhythms and rich melodies with pianist Iliana Rose and percussionist Gino Castillo. Together, they ignite the stage with passion and precision in a performance that blends Afro-Cuban roots with contemporary jazz energy.
Dec. 7 – The Brubeck and Parker Tribute: Born in 1920, Legends Forever
Two jazz icons born in 1920 are honored: Charlie Parker, the revolutionary force behind bebop, and Dave Brubeck, the cool innovator of time signatures and swing. Featuring pianist Kevin Bales, drummer Ocie Davis, saxophonist Juan Rollan and bassist Brett Belanger, this performance brings the fire of Bird and the elegance of Brubeck to life.
Dec. 14 – Jenna McSwain: Southern Roots and New Orleans Soul
South Carolina native Jenna McSwain is showcased. Jenna brings soulful vocals, rich piano textures and Southern storytelling to every note. Joined by Dustin Redslough on bass and Chris Phelps on drums, she opens the concert with a joyful rendition of “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”
Dec. 28 – Don Vappie: Banjo Jazz from New Orleans
Don Vappie, master banjoist and Creole jazz ambassador, is featured. A recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and a Banjo Hall of Fame inductee, Vappie brings tradition and innovation together in this swinging set. He’s joined by Pete Neighbour on clarinet, Sam Edwards on bass and Brendan Bull on drums.
Jazz has long been woven into the fabric of South Carolina’s artistic and cultural heritage, with the state playing an influential role in shaping the nation’s appreciation for the genre. Among its most notable contributions is the legacy of Marian McPartland, a renowned pianist, composer and host of SC Public Radio’s former national production of NPR’s Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. The Peabody Award-winning program, which aired from 1978 to 2011, remains NPR’s longest-running jazz series and introduced millions of listeners to the improvisational beauty and storytelling power of jazz through conversations and performances with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans and Shirley Horn. Through programs like ColaJazz Presents, SC Public Radio continues this legacy—supporting the next generation of artists while honoring the state’s rich jazz tradition.
Each episode of ColaJazz Presents offers listeners not only exceptional musicianship but also a behind-the-scenes look at the artists’ lives and influences through engaging interviews. ColaJazz Presents concerts are engineered by Steve Borders and Matt Buck. Production funding is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
Learn more about ColaJazz Presents on the SC Public Radio website.
QUOTES
“South Carolina Public Radio is proud to continue its collaboration with The ColaJazz Foundation to elevate local jazz artistry. This program amplifies the sound and spirit of jazz across the Palmetto State— an art form rooted in creativity, collaboration and community.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“ColaJazz Presents perfectly embodies the essence of South Carolina’s music culture. Each season gives listeners a front-row seat to incredible performances that represent the best of our state’s talent.” –SC Public Radio Director Sean Birch
“ColaJazz Presents celebrates the heartbeat of South Carolina’s jazz scene—where our local artists stand shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned performers and always impress. This program honors jazz’s roots as a music born from many cultures and shared experiences, reminding us that when diverse voices come together, we create something truly extraordinary.” –Host of ColaJazz Presents and Executive Director of The ColaJazz Foundation Mark Rapp
FAST FACTS
- ColaJazz Presents airs Sundays from 8–9 p.m. on all SC Public Radio stations.
- Season 5 features performances from Koger Center for the Arts’ “Live in the Lobby” series in partnership with The ColaJazz Foundation
- Hosted by Mark Rapp, ColaJazz Presents showcases South Carolina’s top jazz musicians through live performances and artist interviews.
- Learn more about ColaJazz Presents or on the SC Public Radio website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
South Carolina Public Radio announces new season of "ColaJazz Presents" (PDF)
