We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Rapp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what do you attribute your success to?
Authenticity and persistence are the backbone of any business triumph. Authenticity forges trust and genuine connections with the community, while persistence drives consistent effort and resilience through challenges. These qualities shape the ColaJazz Foundation so that we can weather any storm and foster lasting loyalty.

Being authentic means showing your true self, flaws and all. Everyone stumbles and succeeds. If you hide your faults, you seem fake and untrustworthy. So, we’re always open and honest about our victories and take immediate action when we mess up.

ColaJazz never gives up. Running a nonprofit jazz organization isn’t easy—it’s a relentless challenge. Yet, every day, we strive to make our community a vibrant, creative hub for the arts. Despite the praise and the deep challenges we face, we persist. We keep pushing the boulder up the mountain.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Jazz is more than just music to me; it’s a philosophy of life. It embodies the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and resilience. My career has been a whirlwind journey filled with incredible highs and challenging lows. From the vibrant energy of New Orleans to the global stages I’ve graced, I’ve been fortunate to experience the world through the lens of jazz. I’ve played the biggest jazz festivals in the world from the Newport Jazz Fest to the Fillmore Jazz Fest, the biggest clubs from Blue Note to Dizzy’s, and Ive played in so many countries from Croatia to California, Canada to Brasil and everywhere in between.

I’m particularly proud of founding the ColaJazz Foundation. It’s a labor of love dedicated to sharing this extraordinary art form with the next generation. By combining performance, education, and community engagement, we’re building a thriving jazz ecosystem in South Carolina.

Overcoming challenges has been essential to my growth. Every setback has fueled my determination to succeed. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of connecting with others. My goal is to inspire audiences worldwide, showcasing jazz as a vibrant, relevant, and inclusive art form.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would take in a show at the Koger Center for the Arts, enjoy jazz at the Joint at 1710 Main Street, check out Riverbanks Zoo, and eat our way around town at places like Motor Supply, Halls, Sweet Cream, Pasta Fresca, and Ambrosia Taverna.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife and principal ballerina with the SC Ballet, Claire Rapp.

Website: https://colajazz.com

Instagram: colajazzscene

Facebook: ColaJazz

Youtube: ColaJazzScene

Other: markrapp.com
facebook.com/makrappgroup
instagram.com/markrappmusic

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.