By Peter Roos
Jazz fans who were disappointed that Clearwater Jazz Fest was cancelled after the late Helene and Milton, have another great opportunity to see a weekend of great jazz talent on Sand Key.
Suncoast Jazz Festival will return to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Nov. 22-24. Music fans will enjoy live performances by local, national and internationally known musicians.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” commented Suncoast Jazz Festival Director Joan Dragon.
“We look forward to hosting jazz fans once again and offering the comfort of LIVE music with performances by national and international JAZZ GIANTS. We’re excited to showcase these talented musicians on three stages over three days and nights. “
The entertainment will include Big Easy-flavored early jazz, American Songbook, Modern Acoustic Jazz, Swing, Brazilian, Blues, and even a touch of Rockabilly and Gospel.
Headliners include trombone sensation New Orleans vibraphonist Jason Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo, early jazz legends,
The New Black Eagle Jazz Band and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, clarinet and sax master, Ken Peplowski, renowned trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, and more. Festival favorites Adrian Cunningham and Dave Bennett will also be back. This will be the strongest lineup of early jazz bands in years that will also include Davy Jones and the Suncoast Seven featuring Tom Hook, The St. Louis Stompers Classic Jazz Band, and more.
Local jazz talent will once again be a big part of the festival, led by trumpet wizard James Suggs, the jazz trio La Lucha, St. Petersburg’s beloved guitarist Nate Najar, Bryan J. Hughes, the Al Downing All Stars, and more.
They also have several top-shelf female performers, including the Brazilian-born singer, Daniela Soledade, plus Synia Carroll, Theo Valentin, and Pepper and Fine Thyme.
They will once again present the best local youth jazz bands and offer student master classes, this year led by Wycliffe Gordon.
Friday, a Nola-style Parasol Parade will kick things off, poolside at 11am. The Friday Night Swing Dance party is set for 6pm. Live music until midnight.
A variety of admission tickets are available with six options ranging from: $40 (after 6pm) up to $275 for three days of non-stop music.
For tickets and information, visit online at www.suncoastjazzfestival.com; or write jazzclassic@aol.com; or phone 727-248-9441.
The Suncoast Jazz Festival operates under the name Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz, one of the great American art forms, and offers an indoor, intimate setting held inside venues with nearby lodging overlooking the Gulf. TICKETS: www.suncoastjazzfestival.com