aMONKst the art is a night to celebrate 20th century jazz and 20th century photography. We will recognize Rocky Mount's native son, Thelonious Monk, a notorious jazz musician whose career began in the mid-1940's. Monk is just one of 5 jazz musicians featured on the cover of TIME magazine and is an inductee of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. We will also appreciate a photography exhibit, Masters of American Photography, which will include work from Ansel Adams, a piece entitled Migrant Mother, and the first application of fast action photography. The event purpose is to raise money for the Monk Council, a group comprised of Thelonious' family members, whose goals are to institutionalize Monk's legacy in the community. Funds raised are also to help the Young Professionals of the Twin Counties to continue event programming that helps young people connect to their community, making them more likely to stay in the area, a vital need for our region.

The night will be filled with music played by local jazz musicians all during the night and will begin with dinner catered by The Prime Smokehouse, a successful jazz-themed barbecue restaurant located in Downtown Rocky Mount. After dinner, the evening will progress into the Arts Center where dessert will be served and will allow guests to interact with each other and the photography. Among the entertainment for the evening, you will even have a chance to have your own 20th century photo made as a keepsake to the event. A limited number of alcoholic beverages per guest will available all night. Ticket price includes dinner, drinks, and all event activities. Dress code is semi-formal!