By GIOVANNA TORRES

It’s not often that you run into a program that has 3-year-olds and seniors jamming to the same rhythm. That’s exactly what “Jazzerific” accomplished – among other things – throughout the winter program series at Mint Museum Randolph and Albemarle Road Recreation Center.

“Jazzerific” was created by Nicci Canada, founder of Dapper Street Productions. Canada has been a longtime ASC Culture Blocks provider, offering jazz performances around Mecklenburg County for all ages at no cost, but this is the first time she offered a program targeted for children.

“I’ve been brainstorming and developing ideas for Dapper Street Kids for over 15 years. Jazzerific was the launching pad,” she said.

Over 90 people, children and parents alike, showed up for a Saturday afternoon filled with jazz last month. We laughed, awwwed and learned together. We also scatted and danced. It was the “cat’s meow” (jazz lingo for something wonderful or remarkable), to say the least.

The program, which concluded last month, was sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.

“Culture Blocks has allowed us to make a huge impact in Charlotte throughout the years, hence why it was ideal to launch ‘Jazzerific,’” said Canada.

“Jazzerific” responds to the community feedback ASC’s Culture Blocks team received from East Charlotte residents, who expressed their interest in music and history programs (including Black, Afro-diaspora and multicultural traditions). Free admission helped make the program affordable and accessible. Plus, Mint Museum Randolph and Albemarle Road Recreation Center are both located in East Charlotte, making the experience closer to home for those residents.

“It’s very important to offer shows like these to the community at no cost because there are many who simply can’t afford family entertainment,” Canada said. “Music is powerful and inspiring. We love our ‘babies’ and they should have an opportunity to experience shows like ‘Jazzerific.’” 

Tiffany Terrell was one of the many grateful persons in the room. A Mecklenburg resident from North Charlotte, she attended the event with her sister and her 3-year-old niece, Charlotte, who lost her father on Thanksgiving.

“I felt this was very important, especially for our family,” said Terrell. “Jazz is something that [Charlotte’s father] loved so much. It’s nice to introduce her early to something that he loved so she can have an appreciation for it. She had a blast.”

That’s exactly what Canada hopes families take away from her programs.

“Our mission is to entertain, educate and inspire through the arts. Jazzerific accomplishes all three. To see those little legs get up, dance and participate while being educated about jazz brings a smile to my face.”

Even though it is a show for kids, the parents walk away educated and entertained as well. For Canada, that is a “mission accomplished!”

Stay tuned for upcoming Culture Blocks programs this spring and check out Dapper Street Productions for future programming for all ages.