About Us
NEW HARLEM OF THE SOUTH
Mixolydian is an intimate jazz listening room where the spirit of Southern hospitality meets the sophistication of classic jazz. Intentionally intimate, the space creates an environment where both the music and the meal are given the attention they deserve, each enhancing the other in a carefully curated experience.
​
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, we hope to create a space that not only highlights the rich history of jazz in our own backyard—by way of LaVilla, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its deep jazz and Black cultural legacy—but also engages audiences and jazz musicians from around the world.
​
With just 10–12 seats per show, every performance is designed to feel personal and profound. Guests enjoy a three-course Southern-inspired dinner prepared in-house, followed by a live jazz set that invites deep listening and emotional connection. Performances are livestreamed with high quality picture and sound for growing a global online audience, to expand Mixolydian’s reach while preserving its intimate, living room feel.
​
This is not background music. It’s a return to the art of listening. Mixolydian is where world-class musicians meet attentive audiences, where storytelling through song is savored, and where community is built one set at a time.
Humble Beginnings
In the hollows of a dark painted room under the dim glow of golden light, three old classmates found themselves gathered once again, years after the bell had rung. What brought them together that night was chance, but what bloomed was something far more lasting. As they wandered through the worn pages of a dusty sketchbook, full of shapes, notes, and dreams, an idea took root.
​
Over sips of gin and the hum of old records, conversation turned to vision. What started as memory became momentum. What began as dreaming became devotion. That night lit the fire that would become Mixolydian, a space crafted with care, built from brotherhood, and born of a love for music, food, and home.​​
The Mission
FOR THE CULTURE
Mixolydian exists to craft unforgettable jazz experiences, blending soulful Southern cuisine, timeless music, and meaningful connection in an intimate setting both in-person and online.
The Music
EVERY NOTE IS A CONVERSATION
Mixolydian is a listening room in the truest sense. The shows here aren’t just performances — they’re experiences. Whether it’s a ballad bathed in blue or a hard-hitting swing tune, each sound lives and lingers in the room, unfiltered and up-close.
​
We bring in voices that deserve to be heard — seasoned artists, emerging legends, and storytellers who know how to move a room. No distractions. No noise. Just music that demands your presence and rewards your attention.
The Food
FROM MAMA'S TABLE TO FINE DINNING
The food at Mixolydian honors Black culinary tradition with elegance and depth. We take what’s familiar and raise it with intention — Southern comfort reimagined for a setting where the plate and the performance matter equally.
​
You might find rich cheddar grits beside tender boeuf bourguignon, red velvet that melts in your mouth, or cocktails like the Peach Royal and Bourbon Fizz that taste like memory and celebration. It’s not about showing off — it’s about showing up with flavor, with history, and with heart.
The Room
EVERY NOTE IS A CONVERSATION
Mixolydian feels like stepping into a story — deep-toned walls, art that speaks, and lighting that wraps the room in warmth and wonder. It’s equal parts salon and sanctuary, where every corner hums with intention and style.
There’s a rhythm to the space, even in silence — curated, cool, and unmistakably Black. This is a room built for presence, where sound resonates, stories unfold, and every detail invites you to lean in.
Our Team
THEo CANTY
Founder & Artistic Director
WILL DARDEN
Visual Director
JEREMIAH HUNT
Founder & Programs Director
JULIE WILLIAMS
Host
JAREN WALKER
Founder & Digital Director