The Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast is definitely exhibiting a festive spirit.

The center’s calendar has been packed with Christmas events and SACS plans to hold a Christmas Jazz Party this Saturday from 7 to 10 pm.

The event is part of the regular Second Saturday Jazz events and the Jimmy and Morris Morgan Jazz Series that continues at the center.

That event follows on the heels of a winter wonderland-themed ladies tea that was a sellout this past Sunday afternoon.

A bi-annual soiree planned for the spring and winter, the most recent tea — the ninth in its history — was held with a capacity crowd of 96 guests at the downtown SACS building.

The guests sat at themed tables decorated by volunteers.

“They were all so beautiful,” said SACS Executive Director Jan Schmidt. “There was a huge amount of volunteer work that went into this event, which (was orchestrated by) Carol Whitehead.”

Local storyteller Brenda Gilbert put her talent on show, telling a story as part of the entertainment portion of the tea time, which also featured the music of Wagram pianist Bob Lewis.

SACS takes pride in having a unique slate of entertainers for each of the Ladies Tea events, Schmidt said.

“Everyone there was really happy and it looked fantastic. It really looked like a winter wonderland.”

All of the proceeds from the sold out event will be used to support the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast.

Christmas Jazz

Saturday will offer more Christmas entertainment with a jazz performance by the Day and Knight Jazz Duo.

“Invite your family, friends, neighbors, volunteer buddies and colleagues,” Schmidt said. “Celebrate the reason for the season by sharing the joy of being together enjoying great music, dancing and singing. You just come and enjoy a great evening and we do the planning.

The Day and Knight Jazz Duo consists of Michael Green Knight, a self-taught guitarist, and Arthur Smith, a saxophonist, both of whom played with bands including the Psychic Power Band, the Soul Tabulations, the Coachman and Four, and the Red Toppers. They were openers for Mothers Finest, Average White Band, and the Isley Brothers. They played back up for artists Teddy Pendergrass, Clarence Carter, and Johnny Tailor. They play regionally for many events.

“We are looking forward to having other musicians and vocalists join them on stage, playing and singing jazz and other music … responding to the spirit of the audience,” Smith said.

There will be a cover charge of $5, and beverages and refreshments will be available. Jazz musicians and vocalists from the audience are also encouraged to participate.

“The Jazz Jams are lots of fun,” Schmidt said. “I learned to do the electric slide from others who attend the jam regularly … that was quite an accomplishment for me.”

Parties of 8 or 10 people or more, are asked to call 910-277-3599 for reservations. For those who reserve tables for 8 or 10 guests, a complimentary dessert plate will be provided.