Chuck Cissel
Chuck was the former CEO of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 11 years. He is a producer, director, writer, vocalist, recording artist, songwriter, choreographer, music programmer, visionary and provided the vision and executive produced special concerts and special events at the Jazz Hall featuring Dave Brubeck, Freddy Cole, Stanley Jordan, Ramsey Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Oleta Adams, Take 6, Freddie Jackson, Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Marilyn Maye, Dr. Billy Taylor, Eddie Palmieri, Taj Mahal and other jazz/blues greats. He also created concerts showcasing the works of Ellington, Cole Porter, Gershwin Brothers, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole using local talent. Cissel's vision for an international arts institution, designed to bring musicians and performers from around the world to enrich the lives of Oklahomans, happened at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, when he was the CEO. As part of the Vision 2025 Project in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cissel spearheaded the $5million dollar campaign to move the Jazz Hall of Fame into their new location in the historic landmark, Tulsa’s Union Depot Building, in downtown Tulsa, Ok. Cissel worked closely with the architects to design and renovate the new Jazz Hall location. The move took place June 19, 2007 (Juneteenth). "We look to the future with great promise for our music arts education programs for the youth, and our quality arts programming for the community of Tulsa and throughout the state of Oklahoma," says Cissel. The Jazz Hall mission is to inspire creativity and improve the quality of life for all Oklahomans through the preservation, education and performance of jazz, our uniquely American art form. Cissel has received numerous awards, accolades, and was inducted into the Booker T. Washington Distinguished Hall of Fame in 2010. Cissel is the only recipient of the Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director’s Award for Excellence in Arts’ Leadership. In addition, Chuck received the Governor’s Arts Award for Community Service. Chuck retired in March 2011.
All That Jazz and Blues on Greenwood
In All That Jazz and Blues on Greenwood, Charles “Chuck” Cissel and his hand-picked collection of expert musicians and singers come together to celebrate Greenwood by summoning joy and laughter. A cross between concert, cabaret, and theatre, Cissel takes audiences on a ride to Deep Greenwood’s Jazz Age of the 1920s and 1930s. Inspired by the Love Club and Crystal Ballroom, All That Jazz and Blues on Greenwood recreates the atmosphere and sound of the era. Cissel’s players are exceptional, taking turns sharing the stage with inspired solos. Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington are surely applauding from beyond the grave.
This live all-star performance will take place on May 26 at Tulsa’s Duet Jazz Theatre, 108 N Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK; recordings of the performance will screen at Admiral Twin, 7355 E Easton St, Tulsa, OK.
