Forte Jazz Lounge
Live jazz on King Street: local legends, touring acts, Grammy winners.
Forte Jazz Lounge opened in 2019 on King Street in downtown Charleston, founded by Joe and Rosie Clarke.
Photo: Marlo Oronce via Google
Before your first class
No required dress code; smart casual recommended unless an event is specially noted.
Metered King Street parking, paid lot at corner of King and Radcliffe Street, Visitor Center Parking Garage at 63 Mary Street, or Visitor Center Parking Lot at 375 Meeting Street.
About this studio
Forte Jazz Lounge opened in 2019 on King Street in downtown Charleston, founded by Joe and Rosie Clarke. Joe Clarke is the founder of the Forte Big Band (formerly The Joe Clarke Big Band), one of the region's most celebrated ensembles, and served as historic jazz music advisor for the film The Notebook. He has been entertaining the Charleston community for more than 30 years as a local teacher and musician.
The venue hosts live jazz performances Wednesday through Saturday. Shows run 7:00pm–10:00pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 7:00pm–9:00pm plus 9:30pm–11:30pm on Friday and Saturday. The schedule features local legends, recording artists, notable touring acts, and Grammy winners.
Seating is arranged in three sections: plush VIP couch seating near the stage, premium bistro table seating, and general theatre-style seating. The club is family-friendly—all ages are welcome to attend all shows. Handicap accessibility is available, and a concierge can assist with seating. The venue is handicap accessible.
Forte serves a full bar with specialty cocktails, wine, and domestic, imported and local beer. Food options include charcuterie platters, paninis, desserts, pastries and snacks. Select some shows are livestreamed free of charge (though not all), as part of the venue's commitment to making live music available to all.
The venue also runs Jazz Changes, a program dedicated to providing young musicians with opportunities to engage with professional musicians and gain real-world experience in jazz performance. Jazz Changes rewards students with good grades and strong teacher recommendations with learning opportunities.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll find three seating zones—VIP couches near the stage, premium bistro tables, or general theater seating—with a full bar and food menu available. Shows run Wednesday to Saturday evenings, and all ages are welcome.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
No required dress code; smart casual recommended unless an event is specially noted.
Studio history
Forte Jazz Lounge opened in 2019 when owners Joe and Rosie Clarke created a cultural venue on King Street. Joe Clarke, who has entertained the Charleston community for more than 30 years as a local teacher and musician, founded the Forte Big Band and advised on historic jazz music for the film The Notebook.
Styles offered
1 dance style taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Not yet published on LODance
Check the About section above for the days and times Forte Jazz Lounge has shared. A bookable schedule has not been published on LODance yet.
If you own Forte Jazz Lounge, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Forte Jazz Lounge
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Forte Jazz Lounge teach?
Forte Jazz Lounge teaches Jazz.
Where is Forte Jazz Lounge located?
Forte Jazz Lounge is located in Charleston, SC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Forte Jazz Lounge offer private lessons?
Contact Forte Jazz Lounge directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Forte Jazz Lounge teach kids and adults?
Contact Forte Jazz Lounge directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Forte Jazz Lounge?
Sign up through Forte Jazz Lounge's website, or contact the studio directly.
Is there parking at Forte Jazz Lounge?
Metered King Street parking, paid lot at corner of King and Radcliffe Street, Visitor Center Parking Garage at 63 Mary Street, or Visitor Center Parking Lot at 375 Meeting Street.
Are you the owner of this studio?
Upcoming opportunities
No upcoming opportunities for this studio in the next 90 days.
If this looks wrong, claim the studio to add events directly.