Welcome
Thanks to all who attended the 17th annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival! We have concerts and workshops year-round. I hope to see you at future events like:
Saturday, April 25
The OGs (AKA Groove Merchant)
7:30 PM at the Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM)
Join us for a live concert by soul-jazz trio Groove Merchant, led by Phil Magallanes who’s credits include Al Di Meola, Arturo Sandoval, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Joining him are organist Andrew Jankura and drummer/vocalist Eric Roberts whose 20+ years of playing together span Toronto, Dubai, and Tampa Bay. Special guest: GRAMMY Award-winning saxophonist Kenny Anderson. Come out to MAACM and enjoy this deep, down-home groove rooted in jazz, blues, funk, and R&B. Sponsored by EMIT. Tickets: https://my.museumaacm.org/3230/3709. The MAACM is located at 355 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Tuesday, April 21
Soul Samba with O Som Do Jazz
7 PM at the West St. Petersburg Community Library
This FREE concert in the library features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing samba-jazz, Bossa Nova, Balanço, Baião and MPB. O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of Brazilian music. With 4 CDs and original music placed on BBC, Fox and HBO, O Som Do Jazz is a Florida favorite with performances on the Miami International Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Mod Miami, Pensacola Jazz Fest and more. Did I mention that it is FREE? Located at 6700 8th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.
Past events:
Friday, March 13
Veronica Swift Jazz Vocal Workshop
3 PM at the Palladium Theater
EMIT & the Clearwater Jazz Holiday present this free jazz vocal workshop with Veronica Swift at the Palladium Theater. Selected participants will sing and be coached by Veronica accompanied by the Alex Malkovich Trio.
Saturday, March 14
EMIT 5tet
5 - 7 PM at the Warehouse Arts District
Phil Gray, Geoff Neumann, David Hardman, Markus Gottschlich & David Manson play jazz at the Second Saturday ArtWalk at WADA. It's free!
St. Petersburg Jazz Festival - April 7 - 11
All concerts at at the Warehouse Arts District Rosie Cohen outdoor stage
Use QR Code for links above for tickets:
Tuesday, April 7 - Alexis Cole Jazz Vocal Workshop,
11 AM at St. Petersburg College in HS 109
Thursday, April 9 - Johnbern Thomas Haitian Rhythms Workshop
12:30 PM at St. Petersburg College in HS 117
The workshops are free events!
Concerts:
Wednesday, April 8
Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra
7:30 PM at the Warehouse Arts District
Award-winning vocalist Alexis Cole joins forces with the Helios Jazz Orchestra for a powerhouse performance of big band standards and modern arrangements. Known for her "honey-toned" voice and effortless swing, Cole has performed with the finest ensembles globally. The Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by David Manson, brings a lush, 18-piece wall of sound that perfectly complements Cole’s sophisticated phrasing. Expect a night of timeless elegance, soulful storytelling, and the high-octane energy that only a premier jazz orchestra can provide.
Thursday, April 9
Johnbern Thomas Quintet & Randy Bordon Trio
7:30 PM at the Warehouse Arts District
opening act - Randy Bordon Trio
Cuban-born bassist and producer Randy Bordon leads an eclectic trio that serves as a vibrant bridge between Havana and Florida’s jazz scene. Known for his soulful, percussive approach to the upright bass, Bordon fuses Afro-Cuban grooves with modern jazz and funk sensibilities. Members include Pablo Arencibia: keyboards, Diego Azcuy: drum set & percussion and Randy Bordon: double bass.
Johnbern Thomas Quintet
Hailing from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, drummer Johnbern Thomas is a vital force in the contemporary jazz scene. His quintet blends the complex rhythms of his Caribbean heritage with modern hard-bop sensibilities. Thomas is celebrated for his explosive energy and melodic approach to the drums, leading a group of virtuosic musicians through original compositions that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically profound. Their performance is a testament to the global language of jazz, bridging cultures through percussive innovation and spirited improvisation.
Friday, April 10
Markus Gottschlich Trio & Hot Club SRQ
7:30 PM at the Warehouse Arts District
opening with:
Steeped in the "Jazz Manouche" tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Hot Club SRQ transports audiences to the bustling cafes of 1930s Paris. Led by the virtuosic violin of Keven Aland, this acoustic string ensemble delivers a high-energy mix of Gypsy Jazz, rumba flamenco, and bossa nova. Their performance is a celebration of "Le Jazz Hot," characterized by driving swing rhythms, intricate improvisations, and an undeniable sense of romance. With Keven Aland: violin/vocals, Jon McLaughlin: acoustic guitar and Glenn Stevenson: double bass
Markus Gottschlich Trio
Austrian-born pianist and composer Markus Gottschlich brings a unique European perspective to the American jazz tradition. His trio is acclaimed for its intricate interplay and cinematic soundscapes, often drawing inspiration from Gottschlich’s global travels and background in classical music. With a style that balances delicate lyricism with percussive intensity, the trio creates an immersive listening experience. This performance showcases a sophisticated fusion of traditional jazz structures and contemporary experimentation, highlighting Gottschlich’s reputation as one of the most compelling pianists of his generation.
Saturday, April 11
Martin Bejerano's #CubanAmerican Trio
with Dafnis Prieto & Downtown Trio Plus One
7:30 PM at the Warehouse Arts District
opening with:
The Downtown Trio Plus One delivers an intricate blend of classic jazz and modern exploration. Anchored by the tight-knit rhythmic foundation of the original trio—Joe Porter on double bass and John Jenkins on drums—the group provides a masterclass in groove and dynamic interplay. The ensemble’s signature sound is defined by the soaring, expressive saxophone work of David Pate, elevated by the "Plus One" of the evening: the fluid guitar styling of LaRue Nickelson.
Pianist and composer Martin Bejerano is a formidable force in the world of modern jazz, known for his long-standing tenure in the bands of jazz giants like Roy Haynes and Christian McBride. In his #CubanAmerican Trio, Bejerano explores the duality of his identity, blending his deep American jazz upbringing with the fiery Afro-Cuban rhythms of his heritage. The result is a sophisticated, high-energy fusion that challenges the conventional boundaries of the piano trio.
For this special performance, the trio is joined by the legendary Dafnis Prieto, a MacArthur "Genius" Fellow and GRAMMY Award winner. Prieto is widely considered one of the most influential drummers of his generation, celebrated for his revolutionary approach to the kit and his ability to weave complex rhythmic layers into a seamless groove. A "stylistic chameleon," GRAMMY winning bassist and composer Edward Perez has had his music performed by The Silkroad Ensemble, Yo-Yo Ma, Alan Gilbert, Cristina Pato, Ignacio Berroa, Jorge Pardo and oud phenom Kenan Adnawi. Together, Bejerano, Prieto and Perez engage in a breathtaking musical dialogue, characterized by lightning-fast improvisations and a profound sense of "Clave." The #CubanAmerican Trio project is a vibrant exploration of cultural synthesis, reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of Miami’s music scene.
past concerts:
Next Helios Jazz Orchestra concert is Tuesday, February 17 with singer Craig Kallas.
Originally from South Africa, Craig was featured in a variety of shows in casinos and with The Barnyard Theatre Company’s touring productions for three years. A stint with premier big band The Sticky Triggers deepened his love for the Great American Songbook, performing at special events around the country. He then spent three years at sea, performing in main theater shows and jazz bands aboard Costa and Holland America cruise lines. He now calls St. Petersburg home and continues to perform regularly throughout the area. Tickets are available at www.mypalladium.org.
past events from this season:
Gumbi Ortiz Latin Rhythm Workshop
Tuesday, November 18 at 11 AM
HS 109 at St. Petersburg College
Gumbi Ortiz a 30 year veteran of The Al Di Meola Group, was born and raised in The South Bronx, Gumbi has Recorded, performed, and/or Produced, some of today’s most diverse and acclaimed musicians on the Planet including : Phillippe Saisse, Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Nat Adderley, Joel Taylor, Cyril Neville, Irvin Mayfield, Bill Summers, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Senri Kawaguchi, Chick Corea, Gato Barbieri, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League,Jeff Lorber, Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, Brandon Field ,Jay Beckenstein, Barry Miles, Joel Rosenblatt ,The Black Honkeys, Nick Brignola, Jim Pepper, Ted Shumate, Fred Johnson, Irene Cara, kamau kenyatta, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Rachel Z, Lenny White, kei Akagi,Leonid Agutin, Roman Miroshnichenko, Rick Braun, The Allen Carman Project, Tom Brechtlein, Luis Alicea, New Groove City, The Electrik Rendezvous, Marc Quiñones and Sammy Figueroa, to name but a few. The college campus is located at 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. Funded by St. Petersburg College & EMIT.
Gustavo Matamoros & Sound Arts
Thursday, November 20
HS 117 at St. Petersburg College
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gustavo Matamoros is a sound artist and composer who has lived and worked in Miami since 1979. His compositions have earned two Venezuelan music awards and have been performed by prestigious ensembles in his home country. His sound art installations have been commissioned and exhibited throughout the U.S. and Europe by notable institutions, including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Polk Museum of Art, and the Deering Estate. Matamoros has performed at prominent venues such as the Dali Museum, the Lloyd Foundation, and the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery in West Florida, as well as Roulette and Experimental Intermedia in New York City, the Experimental Sound Studio in Chicago, and LAXart and Mills College in California. Since 1988, Gustavo Matamoros has served as the artistic director of the Subtropics Organization. The college campus is located at 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg. Funded by St. Petersburg College & EMIT.
Recent Past Events:
Kasondra Rose & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, November 4
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
7:30 PM
Kasondra is an accomplished vocalist with two albums of original music and an extensive dance background. Her vocal talents range from folk, rock, pop, sultry jazz, to musical theater. Kasondra’s talent has taken her across the country – from singing in basement indie shows to tap dancing on an off-off Broadway stage in New York City. Her favorite credits include being a lead vocalist for The Florida Bjorkestra and the White Queen in Jobsite Theater’s original production of Alice.
The Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, and Ybor City Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!
Soul Jazz with the Jeremy Carter Quintet
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 PM
Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM)
Saxophonist Jeremy Carter teams up with trumpeter James Suggs to lead a stellar quintet, including guitarist LaRue Nichelson, bassist Alejandro Arenas, and drummer Jean Bolduc. Get ready to groove to classic tunes by legendary artists Lee Morgan, Stanley Turrentine, Nat & Cannonball Adderley, Eddie Harris, and many more.
Scotty Wright & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30
Palladium Side Door
A multifaceted jazz artist, Scotty is a gifted singer, pianist, actor, teacher, and author who has traveled the world performing jazz in over 20 countries including China, Thailand, Japan, Dubai, and Jordan. The Helios Jazz Orchestra has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival and Ybor Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!
O Som Do Jazz Under the Stars
Friday, October 10
ArtsXchange stage at the Warehouse Arts District
6 PM
Brazilian group O Som Do Jazz performs samba-jazz, Bossa Nova & Baião at the outdoor stage at the Warehouse Arts District located at 515 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
EMIT 5tet
Saturday, September 13 from 6 - 8 PM
Warehouse Arts District
FREE!
EMIT 5tet is a combo of current students and alumni of the jazz program at St. Petersburg College directed by Dr. David Manson. The combo plays Bop, Post Bop, Latin jazz and originals.
Explore Middle Eastern Rhythms
Workshop with Israeli artist Yogev Shetrit
June 24 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Warehouse Arts District
Join Us for a Rhythmic Journey with Yogev Shetrit – June 24 Discover the power and beauty of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean rhythms in this engaging workshop led by internationally acclaimed Israeli drummer and composer Yogev Shetrit. All levels welcome | All instruments | June 24
PRESENTED EMIT & WADA
SUPPORTERS
