Guest post from Amy Hunsaker, Librarian for Music & Performing Arts:
The Making Noise in the Library series, generously supported by a grant from the UVA Arts Council, brings UVA artists into the Music Library for free performances. Last fall, we kicked off the series by transforming the Music Library into a jazz lounge with our first Jazz in the Afternoon performance, an idea originated by first year UVA Ph.D. student Carlehr Swanson. We are thrilled to now host Carlehr at an upcoming jazz performance on Friday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m.
Carlehr, a vocalist, pianist, and speaker, is a graduate of George Mason University and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. Before college, Carlehr accompanied and directed multiple church choirs. She credits this experience as significantly influencing her musicality. Upon entering college, she realized the absence of gospel music in higher education. Consequently, she co-founded and directed the Frost Gospel Ensemble. Her research interests include gospel music, Black studies, women’s studies, and civic engagement. Giving back to her community and connecting with others has been an important theme in Carlehr’s life, as she brings people together to serve a greater good. She is the founder and director of “Music is Unity,” an initiative which takes musical performances to people who may not experience them otherwise. Throughout this year, she has planned and performed more than a dozen virtual events.
In 2017, Carlehr was 3rd runner-up in the Miss Virginia Competition and was granted the People’s Choice Award. She is set to compete in the Miss Virginia Competition in June 2022 as Miss Blue Ridge, sharing her “Music is Unity” initiative. Carlehr’s career highlights include performances with Shelia Jordan, The Manhattan Transfer, and The New York Voices. Carlehr’s greatest dream is to leave every place better than she found it.
Join us for some fabulous jazz on Friday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. in the Music Library in Old Cabell Hall. Free and open to the public. Coffee & treats will be served.
