Cultural Series kicks off with a jazzy affair
Karla Harris
The Karla Harris Quartet opens the 2025-2026 season at the Etherredge Center
The 2025-2026 season of The Arts at the Etherredge Center kicks off on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. with the award-winning Karla Harris Quartet. Jazz-Week charting vocalist and songwriter, Karla Harris, plays a blend of straight-ahead and contemporary jazz that pays tribute to legendary jazz artists, as well as pop, R&B, and Latin music influences. Etherredge Center Executive Director, Paul B. Crook, commented: “We are thrilled to have such a high-energy performer launch our season for us. Karla is a one-of-a-kind talent, and I know our audiences are going to be wowed by her.”
Not only will Harris be performing at the Etherredge Center, but she and her group will also be conducting educational outreach programs at three area schools: Aiken Intermediate, New Ellenton Middle School, and Jackson Middle School. “We love bringing in artists who are willing and able to get out in the community to provide outreach,” Crook said. “The Etherredge Center and the University are vital parts of Aiken, and we love being able to give back.” In addition to the outreach at local schools, the group will be conducting a masterclass for USCA students.
The concert will be filled with powerful, emotion-tugged vocals presented through straight-ahead and contemporary jazz, blues favorites, and a few originals, Latin and of course the stunning scatting for which Harris is known. Karla is known to lead her band on the razor’s edge, as they never play the same tune the same way twice. Audiences will also have a chance to get a sneak peak of the concert at Aiken’s Makin’. For the third year in a row, the Etherredge Center will have a Cultural Series artist provide a brief sample of what the crowd can expect with a short performance at the annual fair. Aiken’s Makin’ attendees will be able to see Karla Harris and her band in front of the Aiken Train Museum, at the corner of Park and Union, at noon on Friday, September 5.
Closing out the week of activities, the Karla Harris Quartet will play a full concert at the Etherredge Center on Friday, September 5 at 7:00 PM, with house doors opening at 6:30. To purchase tickets, stop by the Etherredge Center box office at 340 Scholar Loop, or visit etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com. For questions, contact the box office at (803) 641-3305.
For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.