First Friday at First "LIVE"- SEPTEMBER 2026 - Russell Gunn
About this Event
We are so excited to continue to bring you First Friday at First "LIVE" for our 2026 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!
Join us in September when First Friday presents Russell Gunn, widely known for being a primary source of inspiration for the current generation of Jazz musicians. A two-time Grammy nominee, Russell’s “Ethnomusicology” series of recordings paved the way for the new sound. Russell was also the featured trumpeter in the equally influential band “Buckshot LeFonque” headed by Branford Marsalis, while simultaneously being a featured trumpeter in the early days of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Russell became the new trumpet sensation in New York when his solo on Wynton Marsalis’ Pulitzer Prize winning Jazz oratorio “Blood On The Fields” was released. In the time since, Russell founded, composes for, arranges and conducts the “Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra” and was commissioned by the Apollo Theater in New York for his large work “The Blues and it’s People”. Russell has recorded and toured with a who’s who of music, including Lou Reed, D’Angelo, Harry Connick Jr.,Maxwell, Oliver Lake, Marcus Miller, Ne-Yo, Robert Glasper, Cee-Lo Green, The Baylor Project just to name a few. Russell is currently the featured trumpeter with Marcus Miller, and is touring non stop across the globe.
The 2026 Season continues at First Friday!
The public is invited for great music, dinner, fun, and fellowship. (Please note: No outside food or alcohol is permitted.) Doors open at 6:00 PM. Seating is limited. Season Ticket Pass and Season Ticket Table holders are guaranteed premium 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 [email protected].
PARKING -
- 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.
- ADDITIONAL PARKING: Alternate parking with be available at the corner parking of John Wesley Dobbs and Courtland Street (across from First Church). You may walk to Ellis Street and turn right, or access the Commons via the back gate and staircase of the MAIN CHURCH LOT.
PLEASE CONSIDER CARPOOLING OR RIDESHARING!
COVID-19 Protocols
As part of our return to First Friday at First events, we are anxious to continue providing 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 optional.
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.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51 to USD 28.52
