I moved to the Triangle area of North Carolina in the 80’s primarily because of the vibrant jazz community that was here at the time. At the center of it was Brother Yusuf Salim and the many fine musicians he brought here from the Baltimore area. In addition to the regular shows at the Salaam Cultural Center in Durham, Yusuf and friends hosted weekly jazz shows at The Station in Carrboro. I was invited to perform there, became a regular, and eventually moved to the area. The Station closed and we moved the jazz series to the old Arts School located in Carr Mill Mall. After the Arts School became the ArtsCenter and moved across the street the series ended.
The Station has opened and closed and seen several owners since then and the Triangle jazz scene has had a roller coaster existence, as well. Right now there are more jazz musicians in the area than ever especially thanks to the fine programs at North Carolina Central University and at UNC-Chapel Hill and once again there are multiple venues for performance. But The Station holds a special place in my heart for all the wonderful music and support that occured there in the 80’s.
The new management at The Station hopes to help bring that thriving jazz scene back to Carrboro and we’re starting off with seven “Summer Sessions: Jazz Saturdays at The Station” – Saturday afternoons at 2:00 PM during all-ages hours so young people are welcome, too. We hope you will come out and support the series and hear some great music. All events are free and open to the public. (update: this was 2016. The series is continuing and the current schedule is available on The Station website.)
