Augusta Native Dr. Andre Mountain and Garden City Jazz Founder Karen Gordon Featured at New York Public Library Event
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Augusta native Dr. Andre Mountain and local jazz leader Karen Gordon will be featured in Taking Notes: Jazz and the American Story on June 11 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The free program explores American history through the music and influence of jazz legends featured in the library’s collection, including Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong. The event will be held in the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center's Bruno Walter Auditorium.
For Mountain, an educator, author, and speaker whose work has earned national recognition, the event is an opportunity to represent the city he still proudly calls home.
"No matter where my work takes me, Augusta is always home," said Dr. Mountain. "This city helped shape my passion for education, culture, and community. I'm honored to share a program that uses jazz to help audiences better understand the American experience while representing the community that helped shape me."
The program will also feature Gordon, founder of Garden City Jazz and a leading voice in Augusta's arts community, who will bring the music of these iconic artists to life through performance.
"Jazz is one of America's greatest cultural contributions," said Gordon. "Its music continues to inspire, connect, and tell stories that remain relevant today. I'm excited to help share that legacy with audiences in New York."
The appearance places two Augusta arts leaders on a national stage while showcasing the city's continued influence in music, education, and culture.
Event Details
Taking Notes: Jazz and the American Story
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Bruno Walter Auditorium
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
New York, NY
Admission is free. Registration is available at:
