Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer
Richmond-based jazz musician Chan Hall brought his music to Deep Run Park on Sept. 6 for Jazz in the Park, a free community event hosted by Henrico County. The event, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., gave attendees an opportunity to experience live jazz in an outdoor setting while learning more about Hall’s work as a musician.
The performance provided Hall with an opportunity to share his approach to jazz while connecting with a local audience.
Hall said his pursuit to become a jazz musician was inspired by listening to Chick Corea during his time in high school band.
“I took a trip to Washington D.C at the Kennedy Center,” Hall said. “I saw a jazz trio in the lobby and ever since I saw that jazz trio that made me want to play jazz and everything.”
The jazz scene in Richmond is booming, according to Hall.
“The musicianship is incredible,” Hall said. “It’s a lot of music, a lot of jazz. You can walk down the street and hear jazz in Carytown, outside, or in Relever. It mixes with the culture here.”
Hall described his experience in Richmond as great and he has a lot of respect for the jazz community.
Other than the competitiveness and slight lack of opportunity, Hall said performing in Richmond is a good stepping stone and a pivotal point in his career.
The audience saw the event as an instrumental way of musicality and transcending between genres, according to Hall.
Hall said that he is in Richmond for the culture and keeping the music alive. He encouraged people with a passion for it to pursue music although it can be difficult.
Azaiah Bell, special events coordinator for Henrico Recreation & Parks, helps organize free public events throughout Henrico County. The events feature a variety of activities, vendors, entertainment and live music, and are held at different parks throughout the county.
According to Bell, Jazz in the Park originated from a jazz series Henrico Recreation & Parks held last year. Following the series success, the department decided to continue offering jazz performances this year. Bell said the department has since seen a significant increase in attendance at jazz events.
Bell said one of her favorite parts of her job is partnering with local groups and organizations and building connections within the community.
Bell first discovered Hall after attending one of his performances at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Soon after, Bell invited him to play at Jazz in the Park.
“I fell in love with the experience that he was able to create,” Bell said.
After seeing Hall perform, Bell reached out to invite him to participate in Jazz in the Park.
Val Jett, a frequent visitor of Deep Run park, said she decided to attend the event after seeing a sign for Jazz in the Park while she was walking by. After hearing Hall perform, Jett said she enjoyed the music and would like to listen to him in the future.
Jett said it’s great to have a jazz event and bring everyone together.
It’s great to have this event and bring everyone together,” Jett said.
Lindsay Troyer, an attendee, said she often visits the park with her family. She decided to spend the holiday weekend at Jazz in the Park to take advantage of the great weather.
“It’s nice seeing people out and about and getting to socialize,” Troyer said. “We’re definitely glad the Henrico Parks Department is putting this on. It’s wonderful. It’s great for the community.”
Henrico Recreation & Parks promotes its events through their social media platforms on Instagram at @henricorecparks and their Facebook, @Henrico County Recreation and Parks, as well as through program guides and printed materials distributed at community events.