“Gordon is from Aiken, and not only performs as a jazz pianist and vocalist, but also organizes the Candlelight Jazz Concert Series in Augusta. Gordon said her father, a pianist, instilled her love of music. Garden City Jazz 3 presents several programs annually in area, providing performance opportunities for area jazz musicians and music students, while promoting awareness of the historical and cultural significance of jazz music.”

“Interestingly, Taking Notes took students on a nonstop journey from the Civil War era to the Jazz era, to Modern Jazz Fusion of the '60s and '70s to Hip-Hop and its jazzy-R&B origins. .... Special kudos are also extended to Karen Gordon, founder of Garden City Jazz, a local nonprofit agency, for agreeing to partner with Richmond County School System's Curriculum Department to complete this effective and valuable initiative.”

“Some students in the bleachers recognized the music, but others were introduced to Cab Calloway for the first time when the Garden City (Jazz) group performed his 1931 song Minnie the Moocher. The students echoed keyboardist Karen Gordon’s lyrics as she sang, a nod to Calloway’s call-and-response technique. ...In education, Gordon said, music can be one of the most important tools. “I think telling history through music is the only way to do it,” Gordon said from her keyboard. “There (are) so many milestones that if you know about music or even listen ...(it) can tell the story just like art in history reflects the times. It’s so important.””

“Few other musical genres can be so mellow and soothing in one song and so on-fire in another. That’s why we love all that jazz, particularly when played by the Garden City Jazz Band in first chair. Jazz Collective and the ASU Jazz Ensemble also rank in second and third respectively.”

“The second-annual Uncommon Jazz Festival lives up to its name. The Labor Day weekend concert brings together seven bands for an afternoon and evening of jazz, fusion, funk, rock, contemporary music and swing. All proceeds from the event benefit Garden City Jazz’s Jazz4Kids programs. The concert is free for kids 13 and younger for a reason, Gordon said. “I am really passionate about exposing young people to jazz,” she said. “It should be affordable for them.””

“Families, friends and musicians come together to display their love for jazz. Fans from both sides of the Savannah River came to experience the 2011 Candlelight Jazz Concert series on Sunday evenings this summer.”

“Gordon said it's important for people, especially children, to be exposed to all different kinds of music --- not just what they hear on the radio. Gordon said she'll also cover jazz concepts, like scatting and improvisation. At the end of each session, a jazz-themed children's book will be read. "Music and the arts are so important to the formation and development of a well-rounded individual," she said.”

“Although it will probably never be heard again, a song was born at Nancy Carson Library on Saturday as jazz musician Karen Gordon made the blues fun for a group of children and adults.”

“Garden City Jazz leader Karen Gordon, in collaboration with the Augusta Jewish Community Center, presents Fall Colors of Jazz with Kemba Cofield on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the AJCC at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the concert or $35 for the jazz series, which includes Davidson Fine Arts Alumni Michael Dease on on Thursday, Nov. 11th. Get more information at columbiacountyjazz.com.”

“Looking ahead to next week, Karen Gordon returns with another jazz event in Columbia County with the fall edition of Colors of Jazz. Jazz artist Kemba Cofield will perform at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Augusta Jewish Community Center off Fury’s Ferry Road.”

“Music by Karen Gordon and Garden City Jazz will be the perfect accompaniment to the wine and roses.”

“THERE ARE SEASONS in jazz just like anything else, Gordon said, and, if anything, Augusta is on an upswing. There's live music almost any night. Hotels, bars and restaurants all play host to local jazz musicians.”

““Candlelight Jazz is a staple for so many because the overall experience is suitable for all ages and adaptable for so many. It's ideal for a romantic date with your sweetheart; the setting is intimate,” said Karen Gordon, event organizer. Or it can be a great place to bring the family and kids, she said.”

“With its rich tones and fluid beats, jazz is a colorful musical genre. Song titles such as Tangerine, Red Clay and Blue Prelude reflect that. All these allusions to color inspired Karen Gordon in naming a series of jazz concerts coming to Columbia County's Augusta Jewish Community Center… ”

“Karen Gordon simply effuses energy and excitement. Within the span of a few minutes, she outlines her future plans for Garden City Jazz, describes the children's educational programs she is developing...”

“Well known local jazz singer. Maybe you've heard her at the PI or Candle Light Jazz on the River shows?”

"HOMETOWN: Waynesboro, Ga. OCCUPATION: Pianist, Second Baptist Church, Aiken; the organizer of the Candlelight Jazz concert series; the owner of Garden City Jazz

“Artists are driven to create, but few are dedicated to educating the masses about their artform and its historic importance. Karen Gordon, business owner, musician, singer, entertainment promoter and teacher, laughingly says one of her many “diabolical plans” is to...”

“Don't forget about the Candlelight Jazz Series every Sunday night this summer at 8 p.m. at the Eighth Street Bulkhead.. enjoy some of the area's best jazz musicians under the stars. Big thanks go out to Karen Gordon for keeping this musical tradition alive.”

“Benedict said that club support isn’t necessary. Dedicated jazz fans find their music, and Foster mentioned the Candlelight Jazz Series on the Riverwalk, run by quietSTORM’s Karen Gordon, as an example of the new ways Augusta is experiencing jazz outside of the club scene.”

"I feel peaceful lots of different times. Mostly when I'm listening to music, either gospel or jazz, and also when I'm playing gospel or jazz," said Karen Gordon, who is one of the mainstays in the band quietSTORM.

“Karen Gordon, the music director at Second Baptist Church of Aiken, also is a founding member of the jazz society. The former Augusta resident is the sister of jazz trombonist and educator Wycliffe Gordon.”