Lonnie Davis, flutist, arts advocate, is a native New Orleanian began studying music at an early age and had the privilege of attending Louisiana’s prestigious arts conservatory, NOCCA (New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts), where her passion for jazz was cultivated. Davis relocated to North Carolina in 2007, and 3 years later founded the Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization JazzArts Charlotte (formerly Jazz Arts Initiative, JAI). She currently serves as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Davis currently serves the community on numerous Boards and committees supporting the Jazz and the Arts. As of July 1st, 2022, she will begin serving as President of the Board of Directors for the international membership organization, Jazz Education Network. Lonnie has been a contributing columnist for local magazines and has curated special events in the Charlotte area including the Sunset Jazz Festival, Kings Drive Art Walk, and the Charlotte Jazz Festival. Davis has a degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans and graduate work in Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Lonnie has been recognized for her work in the arts community locally and nationally. Southern Living Magazine listed Lonnie in the top “50 People Who Are Changing the South”. Davis was also featured by BELK, Inc. for their Modern Southern Music Campaign, reaching over 5 million readers nationwide. Together, Lonnie and her husband Ocie have been featured in numerous local publications including the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Magazine, QC Exclusive and South Park Magazine. Lonnie is also a graduate of Leadership Charlotte, Class XXXII.
