Larry Draughn to Lead Jazz Residency in Greensboro
A six-week project exploring legendary musicians will culminate in a performance at the Greensboro Cultural Center.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Jazz
Live Poll
Do you believe residency programs like this provide meaningful cultural value to your community?
Professional drummer Larry Draughn will begin a six-week residency in October 2026 to study the careers of jazz icons Tal Farlow and Dannie Richmond. The program concludes with a final concert at the Greensboro Cultural Center on November 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The residency highlights the lasting influence of jazz innovators while fostering local education through interactive workshops and performances. This initiative serves as a bridge between historical jazz mastery and modern creative development within the city.
The residency includes at least 12 workshops and explores the careers of 2 jazz legends over a 6-week period. Larry Draughn, who began drumming at age 3, will lead the instruction.
The players
Larry Draughn
Larry Draughn is a professional drummer and educator based in Greensboro who studied at Grimsley High School and North Carolina A&T.
Creative Greensboro
Creative Greensboro is a city department that supports arts and culture through initiatives like the Residency for Original Works.
Tal Farlow
Tal Farlow was an influential jazz guitarist known for his distinctive playing style and technical virtuosity.
Dannie Richmond
Dannie Richmond was a jazz drummer best known for his long-term partnership with bassist Charles Mingus.
The details
The program features live podcasts, jam sessions, and drumming demonstrations, including a workshop titled Dannie Richmond and the Architecture of Time. Residents will engage in over a dozen educational sessions throughout the project.
Timeline
The residency begins in October 2026.
A final performance will take place at the Greensboro Cultural Center on November 20, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This residency aligns with the growing trend of municipal arts programs facilitating specialized jazz education to preserve legacy musical techniques. By bridging individual artistry with institutional resources, the program reinforces the city's role in maintaining historical jazz lineages.
Local residents can participate in over 12 workshops, jam sessions, and drumming demonstrations throughout the six-week period. The project culminates in a public final performance at the Greensboro Cultural Center.
The takeaway
Engaging with local residency programs offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from professional musicians about the history of jazz. Interested participants should check the residency schedule to register for specific workshops.
Further reading
Discover more about the local music scene in the Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source.
Live Poll
Do you believe residency programs like this provide meaningful cultural value to your community?
