At the Columbus Museum of Art, it was bigger than a performance—it was a full community moment. Milena Casado led a standout group: Lex Korten (piano), Gervis Myles (bass), Morgan Guerin (drums). Hosted by Rodney Dunigan from WSYX-6, the night also featured voices shaping Columbus’ cultural landscape, including Currecia Gamble, Orange Barrel Media and Dr. Parisa Ahmadi, Frank W. Hale Center. The program portion concluded with Stephen Braunginn, Strictly Jazz Sounds, alongside Executive Director, Stephanie Matthews presenting the 2026 Jazz Journalist Association Jazz Hero Columbus Award to Dr. Jack Marchbanks.

When artists and community show up together like this—you can feel it.