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West Palm Beach, Fla. (October 1, 2025) A yearlong, “love letter to Palm Beach County” is coming to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts with the opening of its newest exhibition, JAZZ IN UNEXPECTED PLACES – Untold Stories of Palm Beach County. The walkthrough, self-guided multimedia experience will be on display in the Picower Foundation Arts Education Center of the Cohen Pavilion, Mondays through Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and after hours by appointment at 561-651-4364. Admission is complimentary.
JAZZ IN UNEXPECTED PLACES, curated by Tracy Hyter-Suffern, former Executive Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, explores how jazz influenced Palm Beach County’s sound, style and spirit during the Civil Rights era and how this influence persists today through the use of historical photographs, oral histories, album covers, audio recordings and reflections from longtime locals and leaders.
From the Sunset Lounge to Club Alabam, to The Cotton Club, to living rooms, jam sessions, backyard barbeques and marching bands, visitors will experience voices from the past and the present. Attendees will see original, contemporary artwork from Cuban American artist Leonor Anthony inspired by the jazz luminaries of the 60’s and early 70’s. Also featured are rare vintage photos by Italian photographer Roberto Polillo, who is world-renowned for his iconic and historical jazz photographs. Through his unique lens, local photographer Anthony Bethel captures jazz today in 24 hours. During their visit, guests will listen to the stories of how jazz and the Civil Rights era impacted the lives of those who lived right here in Palm Beach County through extensive interviews with local residents, musicians and community leaders, including Gregory “PopEye” Alexander, Carolyn Allen, Louise Anderson, Montre Bennett, Fabiola Bernier, Edith Bush, John Cartwright, Barbara Cheives, Charlene Farrington, Gwendolyn French, Georgia Gilbert, Michele Gitu, Gloria Gordon, Judge Bradley Harper, Chanelle Harper, Matt Harper, Daisy Jackson, John Jenkins, Orville Lawton, PhD, Yvonne Lee Odom, Diane Purvis, Rev. Ralph Pittman, Sr., Veronica Shy, Avery Sommers, Joyce Styles-General, Ewell Turnquist, Debra Davis Walker, Deloris Walker, Norman Walker and Constance Ward. Visitors are invited to join the experience by adding to the Community Tribute Wall with their own stories, making jazz a living thread connecting us all.
Complementing the exhibition, the Kravis Center presents two exciting concerts, including YVETTE NORWOOD-TIGER JAZZ QUARTET, which will kick off the opening weekend of JAZZ IN UNEXPECTED PLACES with a special concert on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m. YVETTE NORWOOD-TIGER, an acclaimed jazz vocalist renowned for her exceptional vocal artistry, has captivated audiences with performances that draw comparisons to legendary figures such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. She is also the founder of the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival. In addition to jazz standards, her repertoire includes the Great American Songbook, bebop and Latin jazz.
Next, jazz “cats” will groove to the sounds of featured recording artist NICOLE HENRY on April 3 – 4 at 7 p.m. NICOLE HENRY’S versatile and emotionally driven performances have captivated audiences in 20 countries. As one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers she has earned accolades from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, Jazz Times, Essence and more. Audiences will experience her unique blend of music from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and original songs.
JAZZ IN UNEXPECTED PLACES – Untold Stories of Palm Beach County opens October 16. Exhibition admission is complimentary. YVETTE NORWOOD-TIGER JAZZ QUARTET and NICOLE HENRY concert tickets may be purchased by visiting kravis.org or calling 561-832-7469. The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
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