Judy Carmichael, the Grammy-nominated pianist and vocalist whom Count Basie nicknamed "Stride" for her mastery of the technically demanding style, is scheduled to perform in Helena in an upcoming jazz concert.
Carmichael is one of the more distinctive figures in contemporary jazz — a specialist in stride and swing piano, styles rooted in the Harlem Renaissance that require the left hand to cover bass notes and chords in a rolling, locomotive pattern while the right hand carries the melody. It is physically demanding playing, and Carmichael has spent decades bringing it to venues across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Beyond performing, Carmichael hosts a nationally syndicated jazz radio program and has built a profile as an educator and advocate for pre-bebop jazz traditions that often get skipped over in favor of more recent styles. A Helena appearance puts that history in front of a local audience that doesn't often get this caliber of specialized jazz performance.
Specific venue, date, and ticket information for the Helena performance were not included in available event listings. Residents interested in attending should check the Helena community events calendar for updated details.