The Carolina Jazz Ensemble
A collective of passionate musicians dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences through live performance, education, and cultural exchange.
More Than Music. More Than a Performance.
More Than Music
The Carolina Jazz Ensemble is a modern jazz collective featuring a community of talented and dedicated musicians from across the Carolinas. Rooted in a shared love of music, the ensemble brings together artists from diverse backgrounds who are committed to supporting one another, growing together, and creating meaningful musical experiences.
Founded in 2021, the collective was born from a simple idea: that musicians thrive when they work together rather than compete. In an industry that can often feel uncertain and challenging, the Carolina Jazz Ensemble was created as a network of trusted artists who share opportunities, resources, knowledge, and a genuine passion for their craft.
At its heart, the ensemble is about people. While our members are accomplished performers, many are also educators, mentors, composers, and lifelong students of music. We believe that music is meant to be shared, and we are passionate about helping the next generation of musicians discover their voice, develop their skills, and find their place within this beautiful art form. Through workshops, educational programs, and community engagement, we strive to provide aspiring artists with guidance and opportunities that many of us wished we had earlier in our own journeys.
Above all, we are a group of friends and collaborators who genuinely love making music together. Whether performing for audiences, teaching students, or supporting one another behind the scenes, our goal remains the same: to celebrate the joy of music, build community, and create memorable experiences that bring people together.
Our PhilosophyWe believe that music is meant to be shared, and we are passionate about helping the next generation of musicians discover their voice, develop their skills, and find their place within this beautiful art form.
Meet Riley Rae
Founder Story The Carolina Jazz Ensemble was founded by Riley Rae, a North Carolina-based vocalist, singer-songwriter, event producer, and performing artist.
Riley's journey in the performing arts began in dance, where years of training and professional performance developed her love for movement, storytelling, and connecting with audiences. Over time, that passion evolved into singing, opening the door to a career that would take her from local stages to international performances, cultural exchange programs, and collaborations with artists from around the world.
A lifelong lover of music in all its forms, Riley has never been interested in staying within a single genre or scene. Her musical influences range from jazz, soul, and blues to funk, pop, R&B, and global music traditions. Whether performing a jazz standard, leading a high-energy party band, writing original music, or producing large-scale events, she is driven by the belief that music has the power to bring people together, create shared experiences, and foster meaningful human connection.
The Carolina Jazz Ensemble grew out of that philosophy. What began as a small network of talented friends and collaborators gradually evolved into a collective of trusted musicians who support one another, share opportunities, and create exceptional performances together. For Riley, the ensemble is more than just a band—it's a community built around creativity, collaboration, and a genuine love of live music.
At its heart, the Carolina Jazz Ensemble reflects Riley's passion for connecting people through music. Whether performing for a packed festival crowd, an intimate private gathering, an educational program, or an international cultural event, her goal remains the same: to create memorable experiences that leave people feeling inspired, connected, and a little more joyful than when they arrived.
Beyond the Performance
Live Events. Cultural Exchange. Education.
Our work is built on three pillars, one mission: connecting people through music.
Events & Live Performances
We bring together flexible ensembles built around the needs of each event—from intimate trio settings to full-scale band experiences. Every performance is rooted in musicianship, connection, and reading the room in real time, whether it's a quiet cocktail hour or a full dance floor.
Cultural Exchange & International Programs
Music has always been about connection beyond borders. Through international performances, collaborations, and cultural programs, we work alongside artists and communities from around the world to share ideas, traditions, and perspectives through live music.
Education & Community Engagement
We believe in passing knowledge forward. Through workshops, mentorship, and private instruction, our musicians work with emerging artists to share real-world tools, practical experience, and support for building a sustainable path in music