Women in the Arts: Z Lawrence Talks Columbus, Georgia's Rich Jazz History and Building the Columbus Jazz Society for the Future

Carrie Beth Wallace
Dec 17, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Interview by Carrie Beth Wallace

Columbus, Georgia has always been a city shaped by sound — by the river, by history, and by the deep musical traditions that continue to echo through its streets. For Arreasha Z Lawrence, affectionately known as "Z", that connection to place and culture is deeply personal.

Born in Atlanta and raised largely in the Hatchechubbee, Alabama countryside, Z's journey back to Columbus was both intentional and instinctual.

“I officially decided to move to Columbus and make it my home in 2020," said Z. "I just said, you know what? Columbus, Georgia is home because of many rooted reasons. Music and family being the main reasons."

At the time, Z had been living just across the river in Phenix City. Her kids were now grown and away and while she enjoyed the community there, she had come to the realization that nearly all of her work, relationships, and creative energy were rooted in Columbus. Making the move felt less like a change and more like a essential declaration that was very important to her.

“The music, the arts, the culture of Columbus all aligns more with my life here. I love Alabama, truly, but the emphasis on the arts and the growth happening in Columbus just feels different.”

As Founder of the Music Entertainment Council (MEC) Music Legend Awards and Ma Fest, music is not just a passion but a life purpose for enhancing quality of life.

*Z Lawrence. Photo courtesy of the artist.*

A City Built on Sound

For Z, Columbus isn’t simply a place to live — it’s a place with stories worth preserving and amplifying, particularly when it comes to music.

“Jazz and blues together — that’s the story of Columbus," said Z confidently.

Devoted to sharing the city’s rich musical legacy with folks from near and far, Z is a force for promoting Columbus, Georgia's rich music history. From Ma Rainey to the Liberty Theatre, Z tells the city's history as proof that Columbus has long been a crossroads of creativity and cultural exchange.

“Those are the stories we can hold onto," Z says. "The sounds from the river, the culture — there’s so much here. It’s amazing.”

*Ma Rainey and the Jazz Hounds, 1922. Photographer unknown.*

While deeply rooted in tradition, Z also sees Columbus as a city with room to grow, experiment, and evolve.

“The thing about this city is that we’re homegrown, but we can still be very innovative. We have all types of music — especially jazz — and we do it in a way that feels true to who we are.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Jazz in Columbus

Now stepping into her role as President and CEO of the Columbus Jazz Society, Z's vision is both ambitious and grounded in community.

“My dream for the city is that we finally have a jazz club — a real lounge. A sophisticated place where you can always hear good jazz any time you want.”

She imagines an intimate venue — the kind of space often associated with cities like New Orleans or Washington, D.C. — existing right here in Columbus, GA. A place that feels elevated yet welcoming, where both longtime residents and newcomers can gather around live music.

“It's got to be something small and intimate. The kind of place that feels elevated, but welcoming.”

And the audience, Z believes, is already here.

“I was at The Columbus Museum the other day talking about an upcoming event, and a couple stopped and asked, ‘Did you say jazz?’ They had just moved here — military — and they were so happy to hear it they could find live jazz events here.”

That brief exchange stayed with her.

“It told me people want this. The audience is here. Someone just has to host it,” Z explained.

Working alongside the Jazz Society’s board, Z hopes to help build that future — one that honors Columbus’ musical past while creating space for what comes next. The goal? "To put Columbus, Georgia on the map as a city rich with culture – especially because of our role in the development of jazz as an art form," said Z. "The history is here, the music is here. Now, all people have to do is come and listen."◾️