Durham has a growing local music scene and is an up and coming destination for jazz music. Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast is proud to be located in The Bull City where there is so much great live jazz music.
In 2011, Merge Records added a Grammy to their illustrious list of music when one of their artists, Arcade Fire, won album of the year, sealing a legacy of critically adored music from the Durham label, which turns twenty-five this year.
But Merge, including their Durham-based artists like the Mountain Goats and Mount Moriah, is only one part of a musically inclined culture that permeates Durham. Perhaps the most famous Durham jazz musican is the legendary Branford Marsalis.
Other local Durham musicians include:
- Shirley Caesar, a Gospel singer with eleven Grammy awards to her name
- Rapper 9th Wonder, another Grammy winner who has produced songs for Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, and Mary J. Blige
- The six-time Grammy-nominated Nnenna Freelon. In her Lowdown Interview (with Tracey and Matthew shown below) published on YouTube October 6, 2014, Nnenna revealed that, “I bloomed right here in Durham” and “I found here in Durham everything I needed to develop the skill set.”
One of the most exciting Durham jazz developments is The Art of Cool Project, an organization that has been key in hosting frequent concerts and educational programs around The Bull City. The group also teamed up with North Carolina Central University to revamp the annual jazz festival hosted by the school since 1990. The new Art of Cool Festival took place this past year on April 25-26, with twenty performances at eight indoor and outdoor locations.
North Carolina Central University also has a choir, a Jazz Ensemble, and a Jazz Vocal Ensemble that delight audiences with jazz arrangements. Both ensembles have performed at the White House.
To see live jazz music right here in Durham check out The Blue Note Grill which was voted “Best Place to See Jazz or Blues” in the Triangle area by local readers of the Indy Week. Finalists included other Durham venues like Beyu Caffe and Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse.Other great Durham music locations include Motorco, Pinhook, and Duke Coffeehouse to see live music when you stay at Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast. When asked, we gladly tell our guests about all of the hot spots in the city. The city of Durham has it all:
Not to mention, guests will enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning. We offer our charming and friendly Southern hospitality. Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast has plush accommodations and is located in the heart of Durham–the ideal place for a vacation!
