The Mary Lou Williams Jazz Center is a multipurpose hub for performance, education, recording, and community engagement named in honor of Mary Lou Williams.
Mary Lou Williams was a pioneering American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Born in Atlanta in 1910, she helped shape jazz from early swing through bebop and beyond, serving as a mentor for Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillsepie, Thelonious Monk, and many others.
Our vision is to be a nationally recognized center for Jazz that fosters community, artistic excellence, and enduring connections – a place where the greats don’t just play, they are also forged. We hope to make Atlanta a beacon for jazz by celebrating its legacy while shaping its future.
The MLW Jazz Center is proud to be the new home of Churchill Grounds, a legendary ATL jazz club which was located within the FOX Theater for 20 years and is known worldwide by jazz musicians and enthusiasts. The new performance venue will feature over 140 seats, including a mezzanine level, concert grand piano, Hammond B3 organ, state of the art acoustics, and a fully equipped, private green room. Live jazz will be presented seven nights per week, with food/drinks inside Churchill Grounds provided by Clave.
The Center’s on-site restaurant and bar is the latest venture by Luis Fernandez and Yanin Cortes, the owners of Mojitos Bistro and The Crossing Steakhouse. Named for the iconic Cuban rhythm/instrument, Clave will feature elevated Cuban cuisine, family recipes, handcrafted mojitos, and live music culture. Restaurant patrons can enjoy a beautifully appointed main dining room and bar, a private event space or a large outdoor patio. Serving Cuban coffee and pastries from 7 AM to noon daily, Clave also is equipped with a Miami-style take-out window (La Ventanita) for outdoor service.
Founded by saxophonist Will Scruggs and managed by veteran saxophonist Karen Greene, Scruggs Woodwinds is both the retail destination and the educational hub within the Jazz Center ecosystem. Its jazz-focused music store will specialize in saxophones, vintage instruments, mouthpieces, rentals, and instrument repair. A community-focused Jazz Academy will offer private lessons, ensembles, group classes and rehearsal space to aspiring and accomplished musicians. Students at Scruggs Woodwinds will have the opportunity to perform recitals at Churchill Grounds and record at Koolbonga Studios.
Koolbanga Studios is a comprehensive commercial recording studio with recording capabilities integrated throughout the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Center. Anchored by a third-floor control room, the Churchill Grounds stage will serve as the primary live room for both audio and video recording. Three additional recording rooms are located on the Center’s lower level. Veteran recording engineer Marty Kearns will serve as Studio Manager.