By Nanette Wiser
The Palladium’s jazz streak is hot this spring. Get your tickets now for the 5/4 Sinatra Swings show featuring John O’Leary, James Suggs, Alejandro Arenas, Jean Bolduc, Bryan J Hughes and Trace Zacur. On 4/4, catch chanteuse Kristy Parton with the 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra in a special concert of jazz favorites. Kristy’s big band experiences began in college when she was honored with a Downbeat award and performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival. As the featured vocalist with the well-known Rob Parton Big Band for many years, her interpretations of jazz and popular songs have been heard by thousands. In the Windy City, she also sang with jazz combos, The Caroling Party (an award-winning a cappella group). The 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!
Sinatra Swings coming to The Palladium May 4th
Entertainment gurus Tom Gribbin and Jon Reno La Budde have brought us amazing late-night comedy shows this year. Next up on 4/29 @The Palladium is a night of comedy with the Best of the Boston Comedy Festival featuring Jim McCue, Bethany Van Delft, Tony V, and Erin Maguire. Gribbin is also a fan of singer/songwriter Tommy Prine (featured image) who will play The Palladium 4/20 after a successful March residency at The Basement Nashville. Son of folk singer John Prine (who lived in Gulfport), Nashville Scene raves about Tommy’s two singles, Turning Stones and Ships in the Harbor, writing “They’re filled with probing introspection and vivid metaphor, sung in a gentle, understated tone and backed with quiet acoustic instruments.” A debut album is in the works as well.
Jazz nights at Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement continue 4/15 7-9:30pm featuring the Latin Jazz Knights Band. Founded in 1997 by Gilberto Niño Garcia in Tampa, the group performs original, standard Jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean music and are favorites at The Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Enjoy two 1-hour sets with a half-hour intermission between. The Arts Café will be open serving food and drinks. Tickets $20/members; $25/non-members.
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association’s Bette Gregg shared a cool event planned at American Stage 4/30 celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month called Jam & Pam featuring the music of La Lucha Trio and a guest vocalist plus readings from poets Gloria Munoz and Florida’s Poet Laureate Peter Meinke. Don’t miss the weekly jazz jams at DTSP’s Hangar Restaurant 7-9pm. On St. Pete Beach, Sunday @11:30am features Le Jazz Trio at Boulevard Burgers & Tap House.
On 4/26, Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation invites you to Jazz in Paradise, an evening under the stars on a sunset cruise aboard StarLite Majesty Dining Yacht. Join the CJH Community of Support and be part of the impact! Inspiring & Changing Lives Through Music. The $125/person donation includes passed hors’ d’oeuvres, a complimentary premium bar, three-course gourmet dinner and live music by Allon Sams, featuring CJH Young Lions Jazz Students and Alumni. Boarding begins at 6pm; sail away 6:30-9:30pm from the Clearwater Marina, with an Afterglow party at the dock until 10pm. clearwaterjazz.com/cjhmusicseries.html
Operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Sound debuts at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater and will host concerts starting in July, and the CJH Jazz Holiday.