By Special to the AFRO
In a momentous event hosted at the World Trade Center in Baltimore on May 1, distinguished guests from both the East and West Coasts gathered to celebrate the remarkable career and groundbreaking achievements of Darin Atwater, the newly appointed artistic director of the Monterey Jazz Festival. The tribute and award presentation, which included the conferral of the Key to Baltimore City, marked a historic milestone in Atwater’s journey as a musical pioneer and cultural ambassador.
Composer and conductor Darin Atwater, left, who will serve as the first African-American artistic director of the Monterey Jazz Festival this year, was awarded the Key to the City by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott on May 1. (Photo by: J.J. McQueen)
The Monterey Jazz Festival, founded in 1958 by Jimmy Lyons, has a rich history as one of the world’s premier jazz festivals. Originating on the grounds of the Monterey County Fair, the festival quickly gained renown for its lineup of jazz luminaries and its commitment to artistic excellence. Over the years, it has served as a launching pad for legendary performers such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Its storied stages have witnessed historic performances and collaborations, cementing its reputation as a cultural institution dedicated to the celebration and preservation of jazz music.
Atwater is the first African-American to take the artistic helm of the acclaimed event. Under his leadership, he promised to provide opportunities to perform on the main stage to overlooked and underappreciated artists who may not otherwise have the chance to showcase their talents at this scale.
It was but one among many of Atwater’s varied accomplishments celebrated at the May 1 event, which shone a spotlight on his unparalleled contributions to the world of music, particularly through his transformative work with Soulful Symphony. For over two decades, Atwater has redefined the boundaries of musical expression, blending genres and creating innovative experiences that resonate with audiences across the nation. Soulful Symphony, under his visionary leadership, has become a beacon of artistic excellence and inclusivity, challenging conventions and inspiring generations of musicians.
Mayor Brandon Scott, in explaining why Atwater was awarded the Key to the City, emphasized the transformative impact of Atwater’s work on the cultural landscape of Baltimore and beyond.
“He changed the game,”Mayor Scott said. “What he’s done with Soulful Symphony, lifting it up from Baltimore to the nation, is an important testament to his immense talent and dedication.”
During the reception, Atwater expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him by his hometown.
“It is unbelievably amazing to be honored by a city that you’ve done so much work in,” Atwater said. “To have that acknowledgment in your own city, it doesn’t happen a lot. So to be honored, to have my friends and closest colleagues here, it’s just unbelievable.”
In a “fireside hat” curated by The Finn Group and moderated by Tom Hall, a close friend and host of “Midday” on WYPR, Atwater discussed his vision for the future of the Monterey Jazz Festival and his approach to curating an experience that is both innovative and inclusive.
“Monterey Jazz Festival has stayed true to straight-ahead jazz for 67 years,” Atwater explained. “But it’s also about bridging disparate opportunities and bringing in different voices, genres, and experiences.”
Atwater’s tenure at the Peabody Institute promises to be equally transformative, with a focus on expanding the conservatory’s curriculum to encompass American roots music and provide students with a more diverse and inclusive musical education.
The event culminated with a special offer for those in attendance to attend the very first festival under Atwater’s direction, this year, gifted by Executive Director Colleen Bailey, who flew in from California to celebrate the occasion with her new artistic director along with a few members of her leadership team.
