David Manson, Director of the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, advised us of this week’s outstanding happenings. The festival begins tonight (February 22nd) and runs through Sunday (February 26th). Manson says:

The lineup includes modern jazz from Robotman, The Martin Bejerano Trio, the Joshua Breakstone Trio, The Helios Jazz Orchestra with guest singers Whitney James & Fred Johnson and L.A. drummer Jason Lee Bruns with the SPC Jazz Profs. We advise that you reserve your tickets as soon as possible since the Side Door venue has limited seating.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 – Robotman, mix early electric Miles Davis with Frank Zappa’s Waka Jawaka and you get something similar to Robotman

Thursday, Feb. 23 – The Martin Bejerano Trio, beautiful original compositions from world-class jazz pianist and great bassist & drummer

Friday, Feb. 24 – The Joshua Breakstone Trio, great straight-ahead jazz from a master jazz guitarist & trio

Saturday, Feb 25 – Whitney James & Fred Johnson with the 17-piece Helios Jazz Orchestra, big band plus two great singers

Sunday, Feb. 26 – Jason Lee Bruns & SPC Jazz Profs, from NOLA 2nd line to Brazilian samba, this concert is a showcase of grooves from our guest L.A. drummer

Free jazz masterclasses are also scheduled at St. Petersburg College. See our Free Workshop page for days & times.

We also schedule jazz events year-round through our nonprofit presenter, EMIT. Check out the concert schedule under Ongoing Concerts.

Thanks to our many sponsors for their commitment to jazz! They include EMIT, St. Petersburg College, Tampa Bay Times, City of St. Petersburg, Creative Loafing, WUSF-FM, The Zoo Studios, Creative Pinellas, Radiant Culture, Indian Rocks Beach Suites, HuSonics, F.E. Lykes, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and many jazz lovers who support our programming throughout the year! You are all greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you at the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival!

Best,

David Manson

In addition to his work as festival director, Manson is an outstanding jazz educator at St. Petersburg College. He also curates the amazing EMIT series of concerts bringing to the area jazz in every color and form. And he is a fine trombone player as well!