Hitsville - A Motown Celebration

The Gold Coast Jazz Society returns with Hitsville - A Motown Celebration. Under the direction of Nicole Yarling, the multimedia performance celebrates the composers, the music, and the performers of the Detroit-based record label. Join us as you listen, learn, sing along, and dance to the music that made Motown the “Music of Young America.”

ABOUT NICOLE YARLING

Nicole Yarling is a dynamic jazz artist, educator, and mentor whose career is rooted in her rich musical upbringing and extensive education. Inspired by her father’s love of jazz and artists like Miles Davis and Etta Jones, she pursued a BA in Music at Baruch College and a master’s in Music Education at Columbia University. Her talent caught the attention of the legendary Joe Williams, who mentored her and produced her debut recording.

Now a respected educator, Yarling serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Popular Music at Florida Memorial University, where she’s been honored as “Teacher of the Year.” Her work extends to mentoring young musicians through initiatives like the Jazz Education Community Coalition and hosting jazz jams for the Gold Coast Jazz Society.

Recipient of numerous accolades, including the Jazz Hero Award, Yarling continues to inspire and build community through her artistry, teaching, and dedication to jazz’s future.

ABOUT GOLD COAST JAZZ SOCIETY

The mission of the Gold Coast Jazz Society is to perpetuate and advance jazz as a cultural art form through performances, education, envisioned bringing and outreach activities.

Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr. expanded more jazz to the “Gold Coast” area of South Florida. In 1992, Fred and a group of avid jazz buffs made this vision a reality by forming a non-profit organization called the Gold Coast Jazz Society in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Following its formation, the GCJS developed a concert series, which was presented in the main dining room of the historic Riverside Hotel, located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. As the concert series grew and expanded, a larger venue was required. The concert series was eventually moved to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Arts & Science District of Fort Lauderdale. Today, the seven-concert jazz series continues to be presented in the Amaturo Theater each year from November through May. Over the years the Society has grown and expanded to include the presentation of jazz education and community outreach activities, the Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program, and many special events throughout the year.

Please enter the John Knox Village campus from the Main Gate on SW 3rd Avenue (directions are below).

DIRECTIONS TO JKV MAIN GATE

400 SW 3rd Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Take I-95 to Exit 36 - Atlantic Blvd. When you exit, head east on Atlantic Blvd. to Dixie Highway. Turn right (south) at Dixie Highway and get into your right-hand lane. At SW 3rd Street, turn right (west) and get into your left-hand lane. When you see the Guard Gate, turn left.

CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Once you pass through the main guard gate, follow the road (don’t drive faster than 14 MPH!!) and go around the traffic circle, and then at the dead end, make a right. Go past THE Westlake Towers on your left and then the Pavilion building will be on your left, just west of the construction.

PARKING

Parking is located just west of the Cultural Arts Center in The Pavilion which is the building next to the construction site.

DISCLAIMER

By attending this on- or off-campus event, I give JKV permission to take photos/videos of me for internal and external use.

Host or Publisher John Knox Village of Florida