Past events:

THE LEGENDARY COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA 
Directed by SCOTTY BARNHART
Monday, February 24 at 7:30 PM
Music Center at St. Petersburg College

Celebrate Black History Month with the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra!

Join the Warehouse Arts District Association on Monday, February 24, 2025, for a day-long tribute to Black History Month featuring the iconic, Grammy-winning Count Basie Orchestra at St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center. This year, the Orchestra celebrates its 90th anniversary and returns to St. Petersburg after 63 years!

Highlights include:

• 2:00 PM: Free community workshop with the Orchestra sponsored by EMIT.
• 6:00 PM: Panel discussion, "Count Basie’s Soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement." (free with ticket purchase)
• 7:30 PM: Concert. Tickets: $25 general, $20 WADA members, $35 at the door.

Celebrate the 90-year legacy of Count Basie, a trailblazer in music and civil rights, through education, discussion, and swing-filled jazz!

"It’s the ensemble itself which is king with the CBO these days: always well-drilled, the tightness of the sections a standout, the riches of the repertoire ever-present, with every man a soloist." - Jazzwise

The Clearwater Latin Jazz Fest featuring award-winning musicians from Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the U.S., including Renesito Avich & Friends, Mauricio Rodriguez and the MJR Latin Project and O Som Do Jazz with Andrea Moraes Manson and José Valentino Ruiz will come together for a FREE concert of Latin Jazz. A ticket is not needed and seating will be first come first served. Both events are presented by EMIT and Ruth Eckerd Hall The free event is produced by David Manson, EMIT and Ruth Eckerd Hall, and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the City of Clearwater and South Arts. 

David Manson
Director
St. Petersburg Jazz Festival
mansond@spcollege.edu

 

EMIT EDUCATION

Ongoing Recording Arts Program (RAP) with Boys & Girls Club students at the Royal Theater
 

Through the support of the Pinellas Community Foundation, RAP is a educational collaboration with EMIT, the Boys & Girls Club and the MIRA program at St. Petersburg College.  Pro Tools is the industry standard for professional recording. EMIT events are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture.

our sponsors:

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joonas Haavisto 
Free Concert & Workshop
Tuesday, September 10
workshop at noon in HS 109
concert at 7:30 PM at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College
 

Brazilian Festival
Saturday, May 18
Water Works in Tampa
 

EMIT is a sponsor of the first Brazilian Festival in Tampa. The celebration of Brazilian culture includes bands, DJs, capoeira, samba dancing, a carnaval march, food trucks and more.

Jazz in the Stacks with the EMIT 5tet
Tuesday, April 23
West St. Petersburg Community Library
6:30 PM

EMIT sponsors a free concert of Latin jazz in the library!


 

Ronnie Dee & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 PM
presented by EMIT

5th generation vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Dee is a consummate entertainer who puts his body, heart and soul into every performance. As leader of several Tampa Bay bands, he plays all genres of music but has a special love for the music of Frank Sinatra and his pals in the Rat Pack. This concert features several selections from the legendary recording Sinatra at the Sands as well as other Rat Pack, blues and jump songs.

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival - April 2 - 6
Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Side Door
 

“We’ve been waiting for the next great singer to come along, and finally…Alexis” –Swing Journal Japan

Called “one of the great voices of today,” Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk award and was a winner of the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions, and a finalist of the Sarah Vaughan Competition. She records for Motéma Music, NY, Chesky Records, NY and Venus Records, Japan. Her eleven recordings, which feature musical luminaries such as Fred Hersch, Eric Alexander, Matt Wilson, Harry Pickens, Don Braden and Pat LaBarbara, have received high praise in the jazz press and are spun on radio world-wide. In addition to her many performances at top jazz venues like Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and Billboard Live, she’s also performed at Avery Fisher Hall and the Kennedy Center and had been a featured soloist with the Boston Pops and NY Philharmonic.

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, 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!

Mauricio Rodriguez & the MJR Latin Project
Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Side Door
 

This performance will mix original work composed by Mauricio J. Rodriguez with a mixture of the new Cuban contemporary music and some Latin jazz staples. Bassist, composer, producer, and educator, Mauricio J Rodriguez is one of the finest musicians of his generation in Cuba. He was member of Fervet Opus jazz quartet, one of the most important Latin jazz bands in Cuba in the 80’s, touring around the world to many festivals and concert including The Havana Latin Jazz Festival, Jamboree, Bratislava, Spain, and Moscow, among others. He now teaches at Saint Leo University. Joining this performance will be Zachary Bornheimer- saxophone, Pablo Arencibia - piano, Andy Forner- drums, Mauricio Rodriguez- bass.

Markus Gottschlich Trio
Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 PM
Music Center at St. Petersburg College

“His compositional skills and his dazzling pianism give full rein to his expressive spirit, as

heard on his latest recording, Found Sounds” –Musically Speaking.

Embark on a highly entertaining evening with the Markus Gottschlich Trio, led by the internationally acclaimed pianist hailing from Vienna, Austria. Described by Albuquerque Magazine as "a lyrical, high-energy, and risk-taking artist," Markus Gottschlich, a distinguished Steinway Artist, infuses his performances with “melodically remarkable ideas“, as applauded by The Standard, Austria.

Making a St. Petersburg Jazz Festival debut, the Trio unveils premieres alongside selections from the albums "Found Sounds" and "Of Places Between." With a global presence on festival stages from Europe to the US to Asia, Markus Gottschlich’s Trio promises an evening of jazz that transcends borders, showcasing a distinctive artistry that resonates across continents.

O Som Do Jazz with Rafael Pereira & Jose Valentino Ruiz
Friday, April 5 at 7:30 PM
Warehouse Arts District
 

O Som Do Jazz 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, DTO Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Mo

d Miami, Pensacola Jazz Fest and more. Special guest Rafael Pereira's (percussion). performing resume includes the Grammys, SNL, Janelle Monae, Prince, India Arie, Bruno Mars, Zee Avi, Russel Gunn, and many more. Jose Valentino Ruiz is an EMMY Award Winner, a multi-GRAMMY Award Nominated artist-producer-engineer, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and professor at the University of Florida.

Hot Club SRQ
Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 PM
Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement

Hot Club SRQ plays Gypsy Jazz that is deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance! The quartet emulates the style of what the French call "Jazz Manouche" and "Le Jazz Hot" in the style of Sinti virtuosos and the "Quintette du Hot Club de France." The heart of this ensemble is the violin and vocals of Keven Aland, the guitar of Jon McLaughlin, bass playing of Glenn Stevenson and world renowned Brazilian valve trombonist François de Lima. Their string jazz ensemble has been thoughtfully cultivated and crafted for over a decade. There is a genuine warmth and connection that is unique to this ensemble. This group can swing ferociously then suddenly hypnotize you with a beautiful ballad.
 
Fred Johnson & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Friday,  December 1, 2023
Warehouse Arts District
 

Join us for "Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse," a groundbreaking concert series presented by EMIT, the Warehouse Arts District and Arts Axis. This concert unites the captivating sound of jazz music with thought-provoking conversations on social issues. Singer Fred Johnson joins the 17-member Helios Jazz Orchestra (directed by David Manson) in a concert of great jazz music. Fred Johnson is a renown jazz singer, but his contribution to the Bay area culture cuts a far broader swath than that. Over the years, he’s been and remains an educator, mentor, social justice activist, peace advocate, arts advocate, healer and community organizer, not to mention an all-around gentleman. The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson and has performed on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ybor Jazz Fest, WMNF Jazz Fest and St. Petersburg Jazz Festival. The program features jazz favorites including “Pennies From Heaven", "Every Day I Have the Blues", "Almost Like Being in Love" and others.

November 3 - Instrument of Hope
Warehouse Arts District
 

The Warehouse Arts District Association, in collaboration with the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, EMIT, Arts Axis, 7C Music, and WUSF Jazz are excited to announce the "Instrument
of Hope" concert and round table discussion on November 3rd. The Instrument of Hope is a trumpet crafted using components from bullet casings, created as a response to the
tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. Since its inception, this remarkable trumpet has journeyed across the United States with the purpose of fostering healing and encouraging dialogue on the prevention of gun violence. Composer and Arranger Kim Scharnberg has collected testimonials from former students and survivors. Scharnberg will facilitate a roundtable discussion before the concert. The discussion will feature prominent figures such as State Representative Lindsay Cross, Council Member Brother John Muhammad as well as other influential community leaders. The concert will showcase a talented ensemble of musicians from Tampa Bay, brought together by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and featuring singer Belinda Womack.
 
Jamie Perlow & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, October 24 - at 7:30 PM
at the Palladium Side Door

Jamie Perlow joins the 17-piece Helios Jazz Orchestra as guest singer in a special program of big band favorites. Jamie is an extraordinary area singer and songwriter with radio and television credits. Her expressive style, full voice and flawless intonation set her apart. Selections include “I Love Being Here With You", “Orange Colored Sky,” “Too Close for Comfort” and many more! The Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson, and is comprised of some of the finest jazz musicians in the area.

EMIT Latin Jazz Fest!

October 5 - José Valentino & Eternal Power
at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College
7:30 PM, $15 advance tickets on Evenbrite, $20 at the door
 

October 7- Dimas Sanchez and the Afro Latin Jazz Project 
at the ArtsXchange Stage in the Warehouse Arts District
7:30 PM, $15 advance tickets on Eventbrite, $20 at the door
 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kpa6T15bps
Dimas Sanchez and The Afro Latin Jazz Project will perform Jazz, influenced by the sounds of Afro Puerto Rican, Afro Cuban and Afro Brazilian music with the rhythms from The Congo executed by the master percussionist Thobos Lubamba. As a performer Dimas has a vast experience with Afro Caribbean Rhythms and with Jazz. Thobos Lubamba is an internationally recognized master percussionist specializing in Congolese music. Personnel: Mariano Morales - Piano, Mauricio Rodriguez - Bass, Jorge Malave - Saxophone, Jochy Rodriguez - Trumpet, Dimas Sanchez - Drums, Percussion, Ito Colon – Percussion, Thobos Lubamba - African percussion. Presented by EMIT, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, WADA, ArtsXchange, SPC, Arts Axis & WUSF-FM. The ArtsXchange Stage is located at 515 22nd St South in St. Petersburg.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the show. 
 

October 24 - Jamie Perlow & Helios Jazz Orchestra
at the Palladium Side Door
7:30 PM, $30 general admission
 

Wednesday, February 22
12:00 - 1:30 PM in HS 109 at St. Petersburg College
Presented by EMIT
Singer and educator Alexis Cole presents a free vocal jazz workshop for all. She heads the Jazz Vocal program at  SUNY Purchase College and William Paterson University, where her students have been winners of the Sarah Vaughan Competition, the Ella Fitzgerald Competition and Downbeat Student Awards, among others. In 2020 she founded the online educational community JazzVoice.com, and co-founded the annual Vocal Jazz Summit in Virginia Beach.

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival - February 22-25

Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Thursday, February 23
7:30 PM at the Palladium Theater
Presented by EMIT
 

“We’ve been waiting for the next great singer to come along, and finally…Alexis” – Swing Journal Japan

Called “one of the great voices of today,” Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk award, and was a winner of the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions, and a finalist of the Sarah Vaughan Competition. She records for Motéma Music, NY, Chesky Records, NY and Venus Records, Japan. Her nine recordings, which feature musical luminaries such as Fred Hersch, Eric Alexander, Matt Wilson, Harry Pickens, Don Braden and Pat LaBarbara, have received high praise in the jazz press and are spun on radio world-wide. In addition to her many performances at top jazz venues like Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and Billboard Live, she’s also performed at Avery Fisher Hall and the Kennedy Center and had been a featured soloist with the Boston Pops and NY Philharmonic.

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson. The big band has performed on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ybor Jazz Fest, WMNF Jazz Fest and has backed singers Kevin Mahogany, Alexis Cole, Kathy Rosins, Fred Johnson and many other guest vocalists. For tickets online, see: www.mypalladium.org .

Zach Bartholomew Trio - A Chick Corea Tribute
Friday, February 24
7:30 PM at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts
 

Join award-winning pianist Zachary Bartholomewand his trio (Paul Gavin, drums; Mauricio Rodriguez, bass) in the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival as they deliver a captivating concert remembering legendary jazz icon Chick Corea.

Chick Corea is known as one of jazz’s greatest pianists and composers, and this concert will feature his musical compositions spanning from the beginning to the end of his career. Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and music educator who maintains an active performance career. In both 2016 and 2017, he placed as one of the top three finalists in the highly acclaimed Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and has since been featured as a performer, composer, and bandleader at various jazz festivals, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Jalisco Jazz Festival, and Festival Miami, among others. Presented by EMIT and the Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is $25 for the general public. Tickets are $25 available at https://mfastpete.org/events-calendar/ .

Jason Charos Sextet - Celebrating Wayne Shorter 
Saturday, February 25
7:30 PM at American Stage
Presented by EMIT & American Stage

Equally renowned for his compositions as for his saxophone playing, Wayne Shorter has contributed numerous compositions to the jazz canon while participating in some of the major changes in jazz music over the last 40 years, and has received nine Grammy Awards for his recordings.

His performed as regular member with Horace Silver in 1956 followed by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He remained in the Messengers until 1964, establishing himself as both composer and saxophonist, and began making his own records.

He left Blakey in 1964 to be a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, where he remained until 1970. In 1971 he and pianist Joe Zawinul formed one of the pioneering jazz fusion bands, Weather Report. The band stayed together for 15 years through several different permutations, engaging electronics and numerous ethnic influences and furthering Shorter's reputation as a composer.

After the breakup of Weather Report, Shorter made occasional recordings and tours, continuing to write intriguing music based on the influences from other musical cultures. In 2001, he began touring and releasing recordings with a new quartet comprising Danilo Pérez on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drums. Shorter, who originally studied as a visual artist, continues to pursue the visual arts as well as music.

Jason Charos is a sought-after jazz trumpeter based in Miami. In 2019, he recorded in the trumpet section on Lynch’s GRAMMY Award-winning big band album Omni-American Book Club. In September 2022, Charos was awarded the Laurie Frink Career Grant. The Jason Charos Sextet is made up of musicians from the Tampa Bay and Miami areas including David Mason (alto sax), Kendric McCallister (tenor sax), Connor Rohrer (piano), Joe Porter (bass), and John Jenkins on drums. The sextet will explore several compositions by Wayne Shorter throughout his long career including Witch Hunt, Yes or No,Teru and many others. Presented by EMIT and American Stage. Tickets are $25 available at www.americanstage.org/single-tickets .

ERG on Shape of Dreams

Tuesday, March 28 at 5 PM
Salvador Dali Museum

ERG performs new compositions by David Manson as a program in the “Shapes of Dreams” exhibit on March 28 at 5 PM. Members include Tom Kersey, David Pate, TJ Glowacki, Jim Stewart & David Manson.

past events:
Helios Jazz Orchestra with Sonja Spence & Scotty Wright
November 15 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Side Door

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, backs vocalist Sonja Spence in a big band show.

Sonja Spence is a seasoned jazz vocalist with a warm, resonant voice well suited to traditional jazz standards and swing. Her singing and style are influenced by jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn.  For tickets, visit www.mypalladium.org .

Nova Musica - New Works by David Manson with O Som Do Jazz
Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 PM
Music Center at St. Petersburg College
Free Admission

David Manson premieres his original Brazilian-inspired jazz compositions on Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 PM in the Music Center. Joining him in this free concert is Brazilian music group O Som Do Jazz performing new works of samba, Bossa Nova and Baião.

Manson teaches jazz ensembles, composition, Pro Tools and low brass in the Music and MIRA programs at SPC. His music has been placed in TV shows on HBO, Fox, BBC, Showtime, AMC, ABC and CW networks. Manson is a recipient of the John Collins Arts Endowment, Individual Artist Grant through the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and a Pinellas Recovers Grant through Creative Pinellas and the National Endowment for the Arts. This free concert is made available through these grants, EMIT and St. Petersburg College.

Martin Bejerano Trio on the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest
Thursday, October 6 at 7:30 PM
Music Center at St. Petersburg College

Award-winning pianist and composer Martin Bejerano leads a trio playing original music influenced by the his Cuban and American roots. The #CubanAmerican Suite, commissioned by Chamber Music America, will be performed at the SPC Music Center on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30 PM. This concert is part of the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.

With extraordinary technical command of the piano, a highly modern harmonic and rhythmic concept, and a commitment to lyricism and musicality, Martin has continually garnered critical praise across the world. He has perfomed with the Christian McBride Band, Dave Holland, Pat Metheny, Ron Carter, Ignacio Berroa, Lonnie Plaxico, Bryan Lynch, Adam Nussbaum, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, Mingus Big Band, Marcus Strickland, E.J. Strickland, John Faddis, Wycliffe Gordon and many others. Martin is lead piano professor at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Joining him is Edward Perez (bass) and Ludwig Alfonso (drums). Support for this concert also comes from EMIT, St. Petersburg College, Creative Pinellas and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission is free for SPC faculty and students with an ID. General admission is $20 available from https://www.eventbrite.com/.../martin-bejerano-trio-on...
 

MJR Latin Project on the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest
Friday, October 7 at 7:30 PM
Bayboro Brewing
 

The second concert on the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest features Mauricio J Rodriguez, a well-known Cuban bass player and composer ,and his band with some of the finest musicians in the area: a Grammy winning saxophonist, Zach Bornheimer, pianist Pablo Arencibia; drummer Andy Fornet (of Orquesta Revé and Charanga Habanera, Cuba); and conguero and percussionist Sergio Gala. The venue is a recently constructed music venue at Bayboro Brewery located at 2390 5th Ave South in St. Petersburg. It's a great venue in the Arts Warehouse District with great craft beers and food. General admission is $20 available from Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.com/.../mjr-latin-project-emit...

The Latin Knights & O Som Do Jazz on the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest
Saturday, October 8 at 3 PM
Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement
FREE ADMISSION!

FREE Concert! - The Latin Knights and Brazilian band O Som Do Jazz finish the Latin Jazz Fest with a free concert in the beautiful Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg.

Enjoy this gorgeous museum, have a cocktail from the concession and listen to great Latin jazz. This free concert is brought to you by EMIT, the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, MAACM and the City of St. Petersburg.

Jaap Blonk on the EMIT series
Sunday, October 16 at 3 PM
Tully-Levine Gallery in the Arts Warehouse District
 

EMIT & the Warehouse Arts District present Dutch vocal artist Jaap Blonk performing one of the key works of the Dada movement, a poem existing of nothing but (mostly) meaningless syllables: the Ursonate by Kurt Schwitters, a masterpiece, written between 1923 and 1932. Jaap is joined by improvisers Jim Stewart (drums), Tom Kersey (cello) and David Manson (trombone) in a freeform exploration of sound. Renowned Dutch vocalist and sound poet Jaap Blonk is unique for his powerful stage presence and almost childlike freedom in improvisation, combined with a keen grasp of structure.

“Blonk’s avant-garde performances channel the provocatively pioneering nonsense of Dadaism. His work is tremendously complex, but his brilliance makes it easy to think the opposite.” (San Francisco Weekly)

Admission is $15 available at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../jaap-blonk-on-the-emit…

O Som Do Jazz at St. Pete Pride
Sunday, June 26 at 11 AM
FREE!

O Som Do Jazz is playing a free concert outdoors at the Zoie's Stage @ the MARket in Grand Central on Sunday, June 26 at 11 AM. It's part of St. Pete Pride and sponsored by Zoie's (a great new restaurant), the Mar and the nonprofit EMIT. The location is Central Ave. & 23rd St. in St. Petersburg
 

Jazz in the Stacks with the EMIT6tet
Thursday, April 7 at 7 PM
West Community Library on the campus of St. Petersburg College
FREE!
 

A concert of arrangements and originals by David Manson with Aron Ferrer, Kevin Celebi, Alex Malkovich, Randy Bordon & Ayrias Pedigo.

Brass Day with Shires/Husonics/EMIT
Saturday, Jan. 22
10 AM - 4 PM

Join us for a world-class brass event at St. Petersburg College Music Department with special clinicians Robert Smith, Harold Van Schaik, Jeff Wooldridge and the SPC Faculty Jazz Combo with Aric Brian & David Manson!

Join us on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 for a wonderful day full of brass with a Shires exhibit, clinics, performances and a tour of the MIRA (Music Industry/Recording Arts) program at SPC! Please bring your instruments.
EMIT, St. Petersburg College, Husonics Music and S.E. Shires Co. are proud to present this educational event featuring S.E. Shires instruments and Artists at the St. Petersburg College Department of Music!

2021 Season

Synia Carroll & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, November 30
 

Synia Carroll’s approach to jazz is reminiscent of Nancy Wilson with an energy and clarity to her voice that works very well with a big band. Synia is a favorite performer at the Palladium Theater. She received the “Maestro” award for her auto biographical, musical performance “Finding Sassy” at the 2019 Sarasolo Festival and has performed on the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, Suncoast Jazz Classic and the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s “Jazz At Two” series.

Scotty Wright & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, September 21
 

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, backs California vocalist & pianist Scotty Wright in a big band show.

Jazz vocalist Scotty Wright is a veteran musician with over 40 years of experience. With a warm, rich-toned voice, tremendous range, and relaxed delivery, Scotty possesses a unique sound that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. 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.

Jazz on the Quad
Friday, October 1

Enjoy a free concert of Latin Jazz on the quad at St. Petersburg College on Friday, October 1 from 6 - 8:30 PM.

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to the quad inside the campus to hear the MJR Latin Project led my Mauricio Rodriguez opening the concert at 6 PM. Brazilian group O Som Do Jazz is second on the program. It's a free concert in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month presented by the St. Petersburg College Student Life, Arts Humanities & Design, EMIT and Florida Arts & Culture.

Subtropics Festival in Miami
 

EMIT's ensemble Erg travels to Miami for concerts at the Deering Estate. For mor info see https://subtropics.org/ST25/

Past Events -
 

Sunday, August 15 at 7:30 PM
The Duane Eubanks “Things of that Particular Nature” 2021 Southeast Tour
 

Duane Eubanks is an extraordinary musical talent and he possess unique virtuoso skill and brilliance as a trumpeter,composer and band leader. His quintet’s onstage presentation is a straight-ahead post-bop style jazz presentation reminiscent in delivery of Miles Davis and Lee Morgan with a modern progressive emphasis and vibe. Duane was born into a family of musically gifted talent. Duane has performed everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center, in addition to touring throughout Europe and Japan. He is a member of Dave Holland’s two-time Grammy Award winning big band and the late Mulgrew Miller's band, Wingspan. His mother, pianist Vera Eubanks was Kenny Barron’s first piano teacher and a professional church pianist; his brothers, renowned trombonist, Robin Eubanks and guitarist, Kevin Eubanks, former bandleader of the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”; as well as his uncle, legendary pianist Ray Bryant all contributed to his early music education.

Featuring: Duane Eubanks – Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Abraham Burton – Tenor Sax, David Bryant – Piano, Dezron Douglas – Bass & Eric McPherson – Drums. Admission is $25 available at www.mypalladium.org

Latin Jazz Fest – July 9-11

3 Evenings of Great Latin Jazz in St. Pete!
 

Friday, July 9 at 7:30 PM

MJR Latin Project & Friends

This concert highlights original, new Cuban contemporary music and Latin jazz favorites from their upcoming CD release "Luz" produced by composers Mauricio J. Rodriguez and Vicente Viloria. Joining this performance will be Zachary Bornheimer - saxophone, John W. Richardson - piano, Andy Forner - drums, Sergio Gala - percussion and Mauricio Rodriguez - bass. Special guests include Richie Viruet on trumpet, Renesito Avich on Cuban tres and guitar and Orlando “Landy” Mosqueda, on percussion and piano.

Saturday, July 10 at 7:30 PM

Gumbi Ortiz & New Groove City

Gumbi Ortiz is known around the world for his exciting conga performance and his knowledge of rhythm and percussion. Born in the South Bronx to a Puerto Rican father and Cuban mother, Gumbi has been superstar guitarist Al Di Meola’s main percussionist for more than 25 years. New Groove City is an improvisational Afro Cuban band using the clave as its foundation for improvisation mixed with jazz harmonies, Afro Cuban rhythms and some funk! The group features top Latin jazz artists Butch Thomas – saxophone, Kenny Walker – bass, Aron Ferre – keyboards, Luis Alicea – drums & Gumbi Ortiz – percussion.

Sunday, July 11 at 7:30 PM
Tabajara Belo & O Som Do Jazz
 

Brazilian samba, choro, Bossa Nova and Baião is the focus of this concert with

guitarist Tabajara Belo opening with solo music and then joining Brazilian jazz group O Som Do Jazz. Tabajara Belo is one of the outstanding Brazilian musicians of his generation making a name for himself as a virtuoso guitar soloist, composer and arranger.
 

O Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians including Latin GRAMMY awardee José Valentino Ruiz – flute & saxophone, David Manson – trombone, Bruno Miranda – piano, Alejandro Arenas – bass, Mark Feinman – drums & Tabajara Belo – guitar.

The Latin Jazz Fest is produced by David Manson and the nonprofit EMIT, in partnership with the Palladium Theater. Admission is $25 per ticket available online at http://www.mypalladium.org/. The Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Ave. North in St. Petersburg.

Adolfo Mendonca Trio & Friends
Friday, February 1 at 7 PM
Studio@620 in St. Petersburg

Sao Paulo pianist Adolfo Mendonça scheduled on the EMIT series for Feb. 1 at Studio@620.  This concert is a teaser for the upcoming St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, scheduled Feb. 26 – March 1.

With an unusual and unique piano trio style, the set list includes American favorites like Jobim and Marcos Valle, and hidden treasures of Brazilian music, including “Choro”, the music of Milton Nascimento, Djavan and many others, covering almost 100 years of Brazilian music history.  Vocalist Andrea Thompson and trombonist David Manson join the trio for selections. 

Klimchak & Andrew Levine & SHIM
Sunday, January 19 at 6 PM
Safety Harbor Art and Museum Center
$5 donation at the door

EMIT and SHAMC join forces to present an evening of sonic experimentation with Klimchak & Andrew Levine, as well as SHIM redux with David Pate, Rex Sheppard, Jim Stewart and David Manson. If you like hand-built instruments, electro-acoustic hyper instruments, free jazz and sonic exploration - then you will enjoy this special event! SHAMc is located at 706 2nd St North, in Safety Harbor, FL 34695

2020 season

Eugene Chadbourne & Friends
Thursday, December 12 at 8 PM
The Springs Theatre
 

Eugene Chadbourne has collaborated with an astounding number of artists over the years, including Camper Van Beethoven, John Zorn, Henry Kaiser, and Jimmy Carl Black. In addition to his solo efforts and collaborations, he also led the band Shockabilly in the 80s. At this Springs Theatre show, he joins forces again with former SHIM bandmates, David Pate, TJ Glowacki, Jim Stewart & David Manson for an evening of musical mayhem. The Springs Theatre is located at 8029 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604.

Jazz on the Lawn
October 18 at 7 PM
Fusion Beat Latin Jazz & O Som Do Jazz
The Quad at St. Petersburg College (66th St. & 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg)
Free Concert!
 

SPC, EMIT & the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival are presenting this free concert of Latin Jazz in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

New Latin Jazz by José Valentino Ruiz & David Manson
Tuesday, November 26 at 7:30 PM
Side Door at the Palladium
 

Two Florida artists present their new original compositions in Latin Jazz.

Dr. José Valentino Ruiz is a Latin GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist and recently appointed Assistant Professor of the Music Business, Entrepreneurship, and Music Technology program at the University of Florida. Dr. David Manson is a founder of the MIRA (Music Industry/Recording Arts) program at St. Petersburg College and recipient of two Florida Artists Fellowships in Music Composition. His original music has been placed on HBO, Fox, CW and AMC television shows and performed by the Florida Orchestra.

The José Valentino Trio with Bruno Miranda (piano), Jesse Pitts (drums) and Jose (bass) will perform original music written by José Valentino Ruiz. Following that performance, Brazilian jazz group O Som Do Jazz, with singer Andrea Moraes Manson will perform David Manson’s new works.

Helios Jazz Orchestra & Scotty Wright!
Tuesday, September 10
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
 

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, backs California vocalist Scotty Wright in a big band show at the Side Door.
 
Jazz vocalist Scotty Wright is a veteran musician with over 40 years of experience. With a warm, rich-toned voice, tremendous range and relaxed delivery, Scotty possesses a unique sound that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. 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 program will feature great jazz gems like “One for Daddy-O” by Nat Adderly, “What Is This Thing Called Love” by Cole Porter, and the premiere of a new jazz composition by director David Manson. It will be an unforgettable evening of great big band jazz in an intimate cabaret setting!

Oba Brazil!
with O Som Do Jazz with Andrea Moraes Manson & Jose Valentino Ruiz
Sunday, June 9 at 7 PM
First Unity Spiritual Campus

 

Brazilian sextet O Som Do Jazz with Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson, gives a special concert of samba, Bossa Nova & MPB with Latin GRAMMY nominee Jose Valentino Ruiz!  The program will features favorite compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Donato, Baden Powell, Carlos Lyra and more!

Admission is $20 only at the door. The First Unity Spiritual Campus is located at 460 46th Ave. North in St. Petersburg.  Call (727) 341-4363 for more information.
 

FREE Jazz in the Stacks with Helios Swingtet & Jamie Perlow
Tuesday, April 2 at 7 PM
West Community Library
 

EMIT and the Friends of the West Community Library present the 9-member Helios Swingtet with singer Jamie Perlow, in a free concert at the West Community Library located at St. Petersburg College on Tuesday, April 2 at 7 PM.

Enjoy a free concert of jazz standards in the library without shushing! The library is located at 6700 8th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.

EMIT-a-thon of Adventurous Music
with Mark Hosler & More!
Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 PM
Side Door at the Palladium Theater

 

EMIT and the Palladium Theater are joining forces for the EMIT-a-thon, a scholarship benefit program of adventurous music for students in the MIRA (Music Industry/Recording Arts) program at St. Petersburg College with special guests: Mark Hosler, Anoikis & Kersey/Stewart

Mark Hosler is a founding member of the California collage experimental group Negativland that introduced the concept of “culture jamming” to an unsuspecting public. Since 1980 Negativland have been creating records, video, visual artworks, radio, and live performance, using appropriated sound, image, and text. The group famously flouted music-biz norms and copyright law during its early days resulted in lawsuits for its U2 EP.

Mark takes a break from his Negativland duties to perform live and solo using a performance set-up built around various homemade one-of-a-kind electronic noise-making devices. Sometimes sounding like alien electronic insects fighting each other, the instruments create a non-linear dynamic “living” system of sound.

Mark Hosler at Churchill’s in Miami - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JwMxi_V3oM

 

Anoikis is a trio dedicated to choreographic dance and electroacoustic research based in North Wales, U.K.  Composer Andrew Leslie Hooker and choreographer/dancers Melissa Pasut and Rachel Sweeney are committed to performing radical new works that seek to explore the sense of rhizomatic shadow-space that exists between the accepted boundaries of traditional artistic practice and consumption. 

Transformation of a Shattered Mass by Anoikis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pfCGm3P_lM

Kersey/Stewart
Tom Kersey and Jim Stewart team up as an improvising duo. Tom Kersey is a composer/cellist and leader of the experimental group Kelp. Jim Stewart was drummer in the experimental quintet SHIM and world music group poOg. Together, they stretch the sonic spectrum and create wonderful soundscapes.

Jim Stewart & Derek Bailey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXrjJXNmqAY

Tom Kersey & Kelp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9BmL_2FO4U

General admission is $15. The Side Door at the Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Ave. North in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tickets can be purchased at www.mypalladium.org.

Diego Figueiredo & O Som Do Jazz
Thursday, January 18
7:30 PM

“One of the greatest guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life”
–George Benson

 
Brazilian guitar master Diego Figueiredo performs a solo first set, then joins Brazilian sextet O Som Do Jazz for an evening of incredible music! This new concert program “From Classical to Jazz,” is a fusion between Jazz, Bossa Nova and Classical music.
 
Figueiredo is a new star of the guitar world. At the age of 37, he has released 23 CDs, 3 DVDs, and played in more than 60 countries around the world. He is the winner of several major competitions including The Montreux Jazz Competition, and the VISA Prize. Figueiredo has a unique interpretation with tremendous technique and enormous emotion. He has recorded and performed with major artists including Gilberto Gil, João Bosco, Roberto Menescal, Toquinho, Belchior, Fafá de Belém, Angela Maria, Toninho Horta, Larry Coryell, Ken Peplowski, Lewis Nash, John Clayton, Cyrille Aimée and many others.
 
O Som Do Jazz is a Brazilian jazz sextet featuring Rio de Janiero vocalist Andrea Moraes Manson with a crew of leading Latin jazz artists in Tampa Bay. The group specializes in Samba, Bossa Nova, MPB and Baião. O Som Do jazz recently performed on the Miami International Jazz Fest and has placed its original music in TV shows on HBO, Fox and BBC One. General admission is $25. The Side Door at the Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Ave. North in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tickets can be purchased at www.mypalladium.org.

2018 Season

License to Thrill - Helios Plays Spy Music
Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Theater
 

The expanded 21-member Helios Jazz Orchestra presents a show of legendary spy music, joined by singers Jamie Perlow, Andrea Manson, Sonja Spence & Ronnie Dee.
 
Enjoy an evening of guilty musical pleasure as we revisit the theme music of the James Bond series, Mission Impossible, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Austin Powers, The Prisoner and more, directed by arranger/conductor David Manson. It can be cheesy, silly and yet sublime, but you know that you secretly love the driving 60s grooves, fierce brass, sexy saxophones and hot percussion (with special guest Gumbi Ortiz). With Jamie, Andrea, Sonja and Ronnie singing their hearts out on favorites like Thunderball,” “Nobody Does It Better,” “Goldfinger,” and “Skyfall” with a massive jazz big band, you know that this will be a very special show!  Se https://www.mypalladium.org/helios-jazz-orchestra-license-to-thrill/ .

Exquisite Corpse International
Thursday, November 1 at 8 PM
St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Art
see http://exquisitecorpsegames.com/ecg-2018-participants/

Jose Valentino Ruiz & O Som Do Jazz
Tuesday, October 30
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
 

Guest flutist/saxophonist José Valentino Ruiz joins O Som Do Jazz in a special concert of Brazilian samba, Bossa Nova & MPB.

Dr. José Valentino Ruiz is a two-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer and educator. During his academic studies, José become the record holder for the most International DownBeat Music Awards – 49 awards total, between 2006 –2018. He is winner of the International Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition and National Flute Association Jazz Flute Competition. José has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Chick Corea, Paquito D’Rivera, Hubert Laws, Candido Camero, Jim Walker, Phil Ramone, Jonathan Butler, Alex Acuña, Aaron Neville, Brian Lynch, Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Andy Montanez, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Dave Cleveland, and Abraham Laboriel, just to name a few.
 
O Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson with Alejandro Arenas (bass), Jeremy Douglass (keys), Mark Feinman (drums) and David Manson (trombone/percussion). With three CDs and placement of originals on HBO, FOX and BBC One, O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of 1960s Brazilian music.

Belinda Womack & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30 PM
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
 

Singer Belinda Womack joins the 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by David Manson, in a program of great big band favorites!
 
Belinda began singing professionally at age 11 to help support her family in rural Georgia. From 1973 to 1981, Belinda was based in Nashville working as a singer at Combine Recording Studios and also touring with a popular band called Bodyheat. In ’79, she scored #12 Billboard disco hit called “Seabiscuit in the Fifth” as Belinda West. Soon after, she came to Tampa where she became a mainstay in the jazz scene with her group Kool Reflektions. In the mid-90s, she pursued musical ministry and motivational speaking, traveling from the Netherlands to Africa, to South America, the Caribbean and West Indies.
 
The Helios Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of David Manson, 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

Nova musica with O Som Do Jazz
Saturday, August 11 at 8 PM
ARTS 46/4 - FREE EVENT

Magnetic Fields: Sonic Abstraction with Pamela Z, Renée Baker & Elizabeth Baker
Friday, July 28 at 2 - 7 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
FREE EVENT

In complement to Magnetic Fields: Expanding Abstraction 1960s to Today, which focuses on African American women’s approaches to abstract painting and sculpture, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is thrilled to be working with composer Elizabeth A. Baker to present an afternoon of abstract sonic experiences by African American women musicians and performers. In addition to Baker, we will host Chicago-based Renée Baker, and San Francisco-based Pamela Z. Each composer will perform at the MFA, and will participate in a panel discussion.

Taken together, this will be an important celebration of abstraction in multiple forms, and will allow for a multi-generational discussion between African American women practicing in avant-garde composition. EMIT is a supporting sponsor of the performance of the ensemble work by Renée Baker, which is performed from 3:00 - 4:30 PM. For more info, see http://mfastpete.org/event/magnetic-fields-sonic-abstraction/

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival
Feb. 21 - 25
see www.stpetejazzfest.com
 

O Som Do Jazz at the Firehouse Cultural Center
Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 PM

See: http://firehouseculturalcenter.org/events/o-som-do-jazz/

Firehouse Cultural Center
101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL 33570

Badi Assad
Tuesday, January 2 at 7:30 PM
Studio@620
 

“Badi Assad redefines solo (guitar) performance!" - L.A. Times

Brazil’s Badi Assad is one of the most innovative, passionate and talented artists of all times. She transcends traditional styles of her native Brazilian music with a mixture of pop, jazz and world/ethnic sounds from around the world. As a result, the extraordinary singer, guitarist, and percussionist is successfully forging an exhilarating genre of music that quite literally defies categorization

Enjoy a solo performance with Badi Assad in the intimate setting of Studio@620!   Admission is $20, only available at the door on January 2nd. The Studio@620 is located at 620 First Ave. South in St. Petersburg, Florida.


O Som Do Jazz
Oct. 28 & 29 at 3:30 PM
SPIFFS Folk Fair at Vinoy Park

 

Brazilian jazz group O Som Do Jazz is performing on the SPIFFS
43rd festival. EMIT is cosponsoring this performance.
For more info, see http://www.spiffs.org/2017-fair.html

Dance & Drums of Bahia, Brasil!
Thursday, September 7
3 PM drum workshop
4:30 PM dance workshop
SS building at St. Petersburg College

 

Attend free workshops with Brazilian dancer/choreographer Nildinha Fonsêca and master drummer Zé Ricardo, presented by EMIT and Student Life at St. Petersburg College!

Nildinha Fonsêca began dancing at age 16 with Mestre King, who was the pioneer in Afro-Brazilian dance in Bahia, Brazil. In 1988 she joined the Folkloric Ballet of Bahia. A professor at Federal University of Bahia and Bahia Cultural Foundation, Nildinha has toured and given Afro-contemporary and religious dance workshops in Brazil, Europe, North America and Australia. Nildinha is an educator, dancer and choreographer and she has worked with artists such as Daniela Mercury and Carlinhos Brown. She has collaborated on a number of educational dance projects in Salvador and works with children, youth and low-income adults through dance. Daughter of Oba, Orixá that is the Queen of the Warriors, Fonsêca has an important role in the local community as a black movement activist, African-feminist and artist.

José Zé Ricardo Sousa is one of Bahia's most sought after instructors of traditional Afro-Brazilian music and dance. He is the musical director, composer, musician, and instructor of traditional Afro-Brazilian dance and music for Bahia’s celebrated company, the Balé Folclórico da Bahia. José Ricardo initiated his arts career in percussion and dance under the tutelage of Mestre King at the Serviço Social do Comércio (SESC) School of the Arts in 1985. He has toured and taught in Brazil, Europe, and in more than 120 cities in the United States, Australia, Malaysia, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Canada, Togo and Benin. Since 1997, José Ricardo has conducted percussion and dance workshops with Viver Brasil’s Dancing the Source cultural immersion travel program, and in 2007, he toured nationally as the group’s guest musical director. He also returns to the group regularly to compose for and perform with them. José Ricardo was a guest instructor at the California Brazil Camp in the summer of 2012 and 2015, and he is a 2009 recipient of the prestigious Lester Horton award for excellence in music for dance.


 

The RAP (Recording Arts Program) at the Royal Theater in Midtown was active this summer. For 10 weeks, Boy & Girls Club students ages 10-15 have Avid Pro Tools recording workshops instructed by MIRA technician Jason Cleary. This program is sponsored by EMIT and the Pinellas Community Foundation.