First Friday at First "LIVE"- Jazz Series 2024 - Joe Gransden - Oct 4

We are so excited to return to First Friday at First "LIVE" for our 2024 Jazz Series -- Atlanta’s first choice for extraordinary jazz performed by many of the best musicians and vocalists to grace a jazz stage anywhere on the globe!

Our October headliner is no stranger to First Friday! Truly a trumpet master, Joe Gransden formed and led a big band playing the jazz classics reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. The Joe Gransden Big Band is quite popular in Atlanta. It has growing popularity everywhere, even performing for sold-out shows at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. First Friday at First is pleased to bring The Joe Gransden Big Band to downtown Atlanta.

The Season continues:

November: Piano virtuoso, composer, arranger, and producer Gary Motley maintains a “relentless” standard of excellence. His dedication to his craft has earned him accolades worldwide, including induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts. First Friday had the good fortune to pull him away from his commissions, his work as an educator, and commitments to do arrangements for his extensive network of artists.

The public is invited for great music, dinner, fun, and fellowship. (Please note: No outside alcohol is permitted.) Doors open at 5:30 PM. Seating is limited. The availability of tickets at the door are based upon advanced ticket and table sales. Season Ticket holders are guaranteed seating. General Admission tickets are $25, student tickets are $10 each with student identification (show ID at the door). Reserved tables of 8 are $200. Prices for dinner range from $4.00 to $10.00. Funds raised at church-based events will be used to support other church programming and ministries.

For further information about First Friday at First or the purchase of Tables, General Admission or Student Tickets, please contact First Church at 404-659-6255 and ask for the church administrator during regular office hours or contact the First Friday team at firstfriday@firstchurchatl.org.

Updated Parking Information- PARKING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT THE CARE LOT ON ELLIS STREET.

• HANDICAPPED PARKING: Guests with handicapped parking permits visible will be allowed to park in the front or rear of the Commons, as spaces are limited.
• MAIN CHURCH LOT: Parking for guests/volunteers will continue to be available in the main church lot, where you will access the Commons via the back gate and staircase.
• GSU LOT: Additional parking will be available at the GSU lot located behind the old CTB bank at 75 Piedmont Ave., NE, Atlanta 30303. Enter the GSU lot off of Piedmont Avenue, between Auburn Ave and John Wesley Dobbs. Security will facilitate your access. As of now, parking will be free for guests for the March show. National Parking will provide a shuttle (8-10 passengers) for guests between the GSU lot (ONLY) and the Commons. Shuttle service will begin at 5pm and will be available until 9:30 pm or until the last guest back from the Commons. The shuttle will load at 75 Piedmont until it is full, deliver guests to Commons, and then cycle back to pick up another load. The reverse will happen after the show ends.

COVID-19 Protocols

As part of our return to First Friday at First events, we are anxious to provide a safe and comfortable environment given current COVID-19 guidelines. We continue to reduce the number of seats per table and wearing of masks indoors is encouraged.

To attend our concerts, we ask that you stay at home if you are currently suffering from any of the following symptoms: fever, respiratory illness, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.