The Arts Council's Evening of Intimate Jazz series begins Jan. 28 with a performance by world-renowned jazz pianist Lynne Arriale.

The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Smithgall Arts Center.

"Jazz shouldn't be just for jazz lovers," Arriale says. "It's all about music, organized sound meant to reach people. It's thinking outside the box in that there should be no box actually. It's about finding melodies that somehow resonate with listeners.

"Recently I've been listening to a lot of pop and folk music, and what strikes me most about folk music is that without any harmony, the melodies have such integrity. It has made me think about what makes a great melody and I've tried to employ some of my ideas here. At the end of the day it's about connecting with people and sharing."

Performing with Arriale is bassist Robert Dickson. A Montgomery, Ala., native, he has performed with many jazz greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lou Marini, Jason Marsalis, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Ilona Knopfler and Johnny Vidacovich. He is a jazz bass instructor at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Arriale blends original songs with popular tunes such as George Harrison and John Lennon's classic, "Here comes the Sun," Sting's "Sister Moon," The Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black," Blondie's "Call Me," and "Something I Can Never Have" by Nine Inch Nails.

Arriale has performed around the world since winning the 1993 Great American Piano Competition. She has taught at colleges and teaches privately and conducts master classes, clinics and workshops.

This is her fourth season performing for The Arts Council.

"Normally Lynne's concerts are performed in large halls with a massive audience. We are indeed fortunate that she continues to play in our intimate venue where the audience can enjoy her talent up close and personal," says Gladys Wyant, executive director of The Arts Council.

The jazz series will continue Feb. 18 with the Evan Christopher Trio, followed by the Wycliffe Gordon Trio on March 24, the Del Baroni Trio with Jennifer Hanson on April 20, and the Larry Barker Quartet on May 19.

All performances begin 8 p.m.

Series tickets are $125 each for all five performances. Individual performance tickets are $30. For tickets, call 770-534-2787 or visit online.