ColaJazz Foundation

ColaJazz Foundation is South Carolina’s year-round jazz education and presenting nonprofit—based in Columbia and built to make our region more vibrant, more connected, and more culturally alive.

We bring jazz to where people already are: schools, libraries, community spaces, and stages across the Midlands. Through concerts, workshops, camps, and partnerships like “Live in the Lobby” and our statewide radio programming, we grow audiences, support working musicians, and create access to world-class music for all.

Education is at the heart of what we do. In 2025 alone, ColaJazz reached 15,000+ students through school visits and “Jazz for Kids” concerts—helping young people build creativity, confidence, and collaboration through live music experiences they’ll remember.

Recognized with the 2021 South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts, ColaJazz is helping make the Midlands a place where great music isn’t rare—it’s regular.

When you give through Midlands Gives, you’re putting music in front of a child who may have never seen live jazz, paying local artists for their craft, and strengthening the cultural heartbeat of our community.

“ColaJazz brings joy to residents, evokes cherished memories, and is our most popular enrichment activity.” — Lexington Medical Center

“Koger Center enjoys partnering with ColaJazz to present exceptional jazz experiences to audiences of all ages.” — Nate Terracio

“Mark Rapp’s passion for educating youth creates a healthy learning environment.” — Wycliffe Gordon

“It was amazing! I love jazz!” — Ki Hale, age 11