Skirvin Jazz Club: Downtown OKC’s Immersive Live Jazz Experience

More about Skirvin Jazz Club:

2018:

In December 2018, Skirvin Jazz Club debuted as a spin-off of Saints Sessions, which has been bringing top-notch live jazz to OKC’s Plaza District since late 2016. The event was a hit, and Season 1 was announced. That is, monthly live jazz concerts in Park Avenue Grill curated and organized by Christian Pearson.

2019:

Season 1 featured various combinations of instrumentalists and vocalists, curated by Christian Pearson. Mid-year, Season 2 commenced. Season 2 introduced Zac Lee as music director. Zac provided arrangements of music from cities important to the birth and development of Jazz music:: New Orleans, Kansas City, and New York. Season 2 ended with the introduction of multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Thomas, and a Christmas Show in December 2019.

2020:

Season 3 featured the Jeremy Thomas Quartet for 2 electric performances, but was unfortunately cut short due to the global pandemic in mid-March.

2021:

After a 15-month hiatus, Skirvin Jazz Club returned. As the severity of the pandemic lessened, Dave Bowen, Rei Bowen, Trevor Galvin, Rod Porter, and Christian Pearson gave a series of small performances with limited seating early in the year.

June 25th featured for the first time The Park Avenue Big Band, a working 17-pc big band created by Garrison Brown and Christian Pearson. The band was directed by Brian Gorrell, and performed the music of the great Count Basie Orchestra, with vocal performances from Rod Porter.

July 30th featured vocalist Rod Porter and his group with music from D’Angelo, Luther Vandross, and John Mayer. Rod debuted two of his original songs: ‘Push Yourself’ and ‘Something About You.’

August 27th was led by Trevor Galvin, a phenom saxophonist from central Oklahoma. Trevor brought a 4-pc that included a vibraphonist.

September 24, featured Kendrik McKinney’s group with special guest Chanda Graham.

October 29th. Jazz and Blues vocalist Chanda Graham brought her band and show of her own creation.

December 17th was a Christmas Show created by woodwind player and band director Bill Pearson.