First Friday at First “LIVE”- JULY 2026 – Rod Harris, Jr. at 125 Ellis St NE – Atlanta, GA

We are so excited to once again bring you First Friday at First “LIVE” for our 2026 Jazz Series — Atlanta’s first choice for extraordinary jazz performed by many of the best musicians and vocalists to grace a jazz stage anywhere on the globe!

Join us in July when First Friday presents Rod Harris, Jr. —Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Rod Harris, Jr. has become a dynamic and influential presence in the contemporary jazz world, earning recognition both in the U.S. and abroad. After a decade spent recording, touring, and performing with legendary artists across genres, Harris has emerged as a powerful voice in modern jazz. His 2016 debut album, The Counsel of Elders, pays tribute to jazz guitar icons Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, George Benson, and Kenny Burrell, while his 2018 EP, Exits & Options, blends hip-hop, jazz, and soul into a fresh and innovative sound. That same year, Harris received a Grammy nomination for his guitar work and musical contributions to neo-soul legend Musiq Soulchild’s album Feel the Real. With every performance, Harris bridges the past and present—honoring tradition while carving his own distinct path forward.

The 2026 Season continues at First Friday!

The public is invited for great music, dinner, fun, and fellowship. (Please note: No outside food or alcohol is permitted.) Doors open at 6:00 PM. Seating is limited. Season Ticket Pass and Season Ticket Table holders are guaranteed premium seating. General Admission tickets are $25, student tickets are $10 each with student identification (show ID at the door). Reserved tables of 8 are $200. Prices for dinner range from $4.00 to $10.00. Funds raised at church-based events will be used to support other church programming and ministries.

For further information about First Friday at First or the purchase of Tables, General Admission or Student Tickets, please contact First Church at 404-659-6255 and ask for the church administrator during regular office hours or contact the First Friday team at firstfriday@firstchurchatl.org.

PARKING –

1. HANDICAPPED PARKING: Guests with handicapped parking permits visible will be allowed to park in the front or rear of the Commons, as spaces are limited.
2. MAIN CHURCH LOT: Parking for guests/volunteers will continue to be available in the main church lot, where you will access the Commons via the back gate and staircase.
3. ADDITIONAL PARKING: Alternate parking with be available at the corner parking of John Wesley Dobbs and Courtland Street (across from First Church). You may walk to Ellis Street and turn right, or access the Commons via the back gate and staircase of the MAIN CHURCH LOT.

PLEASE CONSIDER CARPOOLING OR RIDESHARING!

COVID-19 Protocols

As part of our return to First Friday at First events, we are anxious to continue providing a safe and comfortable environment given current COVID-19 guidelines. We continue to reduce the number of seats per table and wearing of masks indoors is optional.

To attend our concerts, we ask that you stay at home if you are currently suffering from any of the following symptoms: fever, respiratory illness, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.