3rd Thursday Jazz returns with a variety of styles and performers

Published on June 14, 2022

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic threw a few kinks in the works for the Fort Worth Public Library’s 3rd Thursday Jazz Series, the program is back and in person at downtown’s Central Library.

For more than 10 years, the live jazz concerts have drawn crowds to enjoy a variety of styles and performers. Fans of all ages are invited to come back to the concerts, scheduled on the third Thursday of each month in June through October. The concerts are free thanks to continued support from the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation.

Performances start at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 500 W. Third St.

Kicking off the 2022 season on June 16 is Carlos Averhoff Jr. &iQba. The performance will deliver a show that adds a fresh, energetic groove to a variety of American jazz standards from different eras and infuses them with Afro-Cuban rhythms and Timba (1990s Cuban dance music).

On July 21, renowned pianist and author Kenny Werner will present a program along with special guest and Fort Worth favorite Betty Buckley. Werner has been a world-class performer and composer for more than 40 years and wrote the book Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within. Buckley is a Tony Award-winning actress who has received many accolades for her work on stage, in movies and TV shows.

Soul singer Shake Anderson will bring his special sounds to the jazz stage on Aug. 18. Anderson is a featured artist on the Library’s music platform Amplify 817, which focuses on musicians who live, work and play in Fort Worth.

Performers for the Sept. 15 concert at the Central Library and the Oct. 20 finale at Burnett Park will be announced soon.

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