March 3-9, 2019 Sarasota Jazz Festival
Everything You Need To Know About The 39th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival.
DATES: March 3-9, 2019
VENUES: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231; Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota, FL 34236; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
MAINSTAGE CONCERTS: These concerts have been the core of the Sarasota Jazz Festival since its inception in 1980. The 39th festival presents four concerts on its mainstage focusing on “GENERATIONS OF JAZZ.” Acclaimed reedman KEN PEPLOWSKI–“arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist” (BBC2)—returns as music director for the traditional concerts that are the core of each festival. “We’ll present a celebration of jazz that crosses over generations of musicians, each bringing a unique perspective to this great music. During Festival Week we’ll hear great reed players, trumpet players, pianists, and vocalists—a blending of seasoned pros and up-and-coming talent. They’ll perform singly and in one-of-a-kind pairings,” he said.
MAINSTAGE PERFORMERS: The long-established musicians—award-winners all—include three pianists: revered NEA Jazz Master DICK HYMAN, BILL CHARLAP and SHELLY BERG; Ellington alum and bassist JOHN LAMB; “rock-solid” saxophonist HOUSTON PERSON; acclaimed trumpet players RANDY BRECKER and RANDY SANDKE; and vocalist MARY STALLINGS. The UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FROST CONCERT JAZZ BAND completes the list of seasoned performers. The young rising stars are trumpeter JAMES SUGGS, saxophonists ROXY COSSand AARON JOHNSON, and vocalist CHARLES TURNER. The house band LA LUCHA continues the youth movement with ALEJANDRO ARENAS (bass), MARK FEINMAN (drums) and JOHN O’LEARY (piano).
“Jazz fans won’t want to miss any of these shows,” Peplowski said. “There’ll be lots of fun, surprises and some mind-blowing music! I’ll also interview these generations of great musicians during the shows, asking them about their influences, who they look up to in the music world, etc.”
In addition, the Jazz Club introduces a new activity: performances by the three winners of its high school band contest, which is scheduled for January 2019.
OTHER ONGOING EVENTS:
• Concerts by acclaimed jazz musicians and rising stars—four concerts on the mainstage
• Jazz in the Park—three bands in a free outdoor concert
• Jazz Goes to the Movies—live music introduction to classic jazz film ’Round Midnight
• Jazz Pub Crawl by Trolley—22nd annual pub crawl to hear ten bands in ten venues
• Satchmo Award—32nd annual presentation of the Jazz Club’s highest honor.
NEW EVENTS:
• Four themed stages–bands play four styles of jazz concurrently: Blues, Classic Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Latin Jazz
• Theatrical event—Workshop production of Lil & Louis, a new play about jazz pioneers Lil Hardin Armstrong and her famous husband Louis
• New venues: Hyatt Regency, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, additional pub venues
• New ticket packages: Hyatt hotel package, VIP ticket, discount combination tickets
INFORMATION, PRICES, TICKETS & PARKING:
• Admission to Sarasota Jazz Festival events ranges from free to a peak of $55 for single tickets, with discounts for Jazz Club members and buyers of combination tickets. Packages including hotel and other VIP packages that provide admission to private musician meet-and-greets and preferred seating at some events.
• Free parking is provided by the Hyatt.
• Buy tickets through Sarasota Jazz Festival website: www.sarasotajazzfestsatival.org/schedule—tickets.html
• Festival and general information are available online at sarasotajazzfestival.org and, jazzclubsarasota.org; by email at admin@jazzclubsarasota.com, and by phone at 941.366.1552 (Wed-Fri, 9 am–5 pm; during Festival Week, Mon-Fri, 9 am–5 pm).
39TH SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 12-4 pm: JAZZ IN THE PARK• FREE • Outdoor Concert with three bands.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Jazz in the Park, now in its third decade, continues a popular tradition for jazz lovers of all ages. Families with children, empty-nesters, and others of all ages can enjoy an jazz-filled afternoon in beautiful Phillippi Estate Park while lively music wafts around them. Through this event the Jazz Club continues its mission to preserve jazz music by providing experience and opportunities for young musicians in a high school band, a respected big band, and a quartet.
● Manatee High School Jazz Band has been awarded “Superior” ratings by the state of Florida as well as the Florida Bandmasters Association in the 2016-2017 District Music Performance Assessments.
● Sarasota Jazz Project Orchestra, a popular 16-piece band formed in 2010, has become known as as the premier big band of the Gulf Coast. The talented musicians present songs from the “Great American Songbook”—familiar and best-loved songs, sometimes presented in new arrangements, along with original compositions; under the leadership of saxophonist George McLain.
● The Fabulous Gregg Caputo Quartet displays the amazing talent of drummer Greg Caputo, an alumnus of the bands of Artie Shaw, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Nelson Riddle, Lionel Hampton, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as tours with Phil Woods, Sammy Davis Jr. and other legendary musicians.
Food and beverages are available for purchase • No coolers, please. • Bring folding chairs.
Admission: FREE. Information: Jazz Club office*.
MONDAY, MARCH 4 & TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 7:30 pm: LIL & LOUIS • Theatrical Event. Binz Building, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
MARCH 4 AND MARCH 5 PERFORMANCES SOLD OUT ● 3RD PERFORMANCE ADDED MARCH 10, 7 pm: LIL & LOUIS* • Theatrical Event. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239, $25 (plus fees)
It’s the Roaring ’20s and “Hot Miss Lil” is a star! Barely 20, Lil Hardin is already a bandleader, arranger, composer, singer—and usually the only woman in Chicago’s hottest bands. At first unimpressed when “Little Louis” Armstrong, a bumpkin, arrives from New Orleans, she soon becomes his friend, mentor, co-composer, arranger, manager and wife—the second of four. LIL & LOUIS is a unique love story about “the First Couple of Jazz.”
Watch jazz and theater history come alive—and celebrate Women’s History Month—as this new play unfolds in its final step (script in hand) before a full production. Enter the world of LIL & LOUIS, written by multi-award-winning playwright Jo Morello and directed by the legendary Chuck Smith of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the in-kind sponsor. LIL & LOUIS is presented in an intimate setting with talented performers from WBTT and authentic songs (live and recorded) and dances of the era.
*Contains mature themes and language that may not be appropriate for younger teens.
Admission: $25 (plus fees) ● LIMITED SEATING ● Tickets: 941.366.1505 or westcoastblacktheatre.org (Performances-Current Season).
(This is a separately ticketed event, not included in Festival VIP or Combo Tickets).
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 9:30 am–12:30 pm: JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES • A film with a live jazz introduction. Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Court, Sarasota, FL 34236.
JEREMY CARTER (saxophone) and JOHN O’LEARY (piano) set the mood for the musical drama ’Round Midnight with live music. This award-winning 1986 film stars Dexter Gordon as “Dale Turner,” a fictitious character based on a composite of real-life jazz legends Lester Young (tenor sax) and Bud Powell (piano) in 1950s Paris. Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, the movie won an Oscar, Grammy, and over a dozen other awards. Cast includes Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Higgins, Eric Lelann, Cedar Walton & more.
Admission: Members, $10; Nonmembers $15 (plus processing fee) or VIP or Combo Ticket
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 5-6:15 pm: VIP BOATHOUSE OPENING RECEPTION. Hyatt Regency Hotel Marina (behind the hotel), 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
VIP ticket-holders are invited to this private reception, which includes a Special Surprise Guest
Admission: VIP ticket.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 6:30-9:30 pm: TWO CONCERTS. Mainstage, Hyatt Regency Ballroom
● 6:30-7 pm: HIGH SCHOOL WINNING BAND. See the future of jazz as presented by Pine View Jazz Ensemble, directed by Vic Mongillo; first-place winner of the Jazz Club’s High School Jazz Band Competition.
● 7:30 PM: KEN PEPLOWSKI PRESENTS GENERATIONS OF JAZZ. “For this concert we’ll feature three trumpet players. The legendary Randy Brecker will be joined on stage by rising star James Suggs and special guest Randy Sandke,” Peplowski said. “We’ll also have an appearance by longtime festival favorite Houston Person and a featured set by a very exciting young vocalist, Charles Turner.”
Admission: Members, $45; Nonmembers $55 (plus processing fee) or VIP or combo ticket.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 9:30 pm: VIP “Meet & Greet.” Hyatt Regency Hotel
VIP guests have the opportunity to meet the evening’s festival musicians backstage.
Admission: VIP ticket
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 9:30 am–12:30 pm: JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES • A film with a live jazz introduction. Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Court, Sarasota, FL 34236. *SEE DESCRIPTION FOR MARCH 6, 9:30 AM.*
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 22nd ANNUAL JAZZ PUB CRAWL BY TROLLEY • 10 Sarasota venues
● 5:30 pm: Trolleys begin boarding;
● 6:00-10 pm: Musicians play in 10 clubs
Jazz lovers and club-hoppers board trolleys for the Jazz Pub Crawl by Trolley, headed for ten downtown nightclubs. They can swing the night away with ten bands and dozens of area-based musicians including (alphabetically) Linda Baker, Matt Bokulic, Synia Carroll, Skip Conkling’s Dixie Mix, Al Hixon Band, Hot Club of SRQ, Fred Johnson, Mark Moultrup, David Pruyn, Michelle Pruyn, Rodney Rojas, Michael Ross, Eddie Tobin and Shelly Torman
Admission: by wristband obtained from the Jazz Club office* or at the trolleys. Advance sales, $20; Day of event, $25 (plus processing fees) or VIP or combo ticket.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, Noon-5:00 pm: FOUR JAZZ-THEMED STAGES • 1 TICKET • 4 STAGES • 8 BANDS • 16 PERFORMANCES. Hyatt Regency Hotel
Spend a lively afternoon moving among four themed stages to hear eight bands. Enjoy up to 16 performances by national and regional musicians who are masters of the genre they’ll play.
BLUES STAGE CLASSIC STAGE
NOON SELWYN BIRCHWOOD NOON KATT HEFNER
1:20 SELWYN BIRCHWOOD 1:20 KATT HEFNER
2:40 LAUREN MITCHELL 2:40 GENE BERTONCINI
4:00 LAUREN MITCHELL 4:00 GENE BERTONCINI
CONTEMPORARY STAGE LATIN STAGE
NOON JEREMY CARTER NOON JOE DELANEY
1:20 JEREMY CARTER 1:20 JOE DELANEY
2:40 HIRAM HAZLEY 2:40 TOM CARABASI
4:00 HIRAM HAZLEY 4:00 TOM CARABASI
Admission: Members, $30; Nonmembers $40 (plus processing fee) or VIP or Combo ticket.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 6:30-9:30 pm: TWO CONCERTS. Mainstage, Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom
HOST: MIKE CORNETTE, director of jazz & on-air host, WUSF 89.7 FM, University of South Florida, Tampa
● 6:30-7 pm: HIGH SCHOOL WINNING BAND. Witness the future of jazz through this concert played by the Sarasota High Admirals under director Chuck Alfrey; third-place winner in the Jazz Club’s High School Jazz Band Competition
● 7:30 pm: KEN PEPLOWSKI PRESENTS GENERATIONS OF JAZZ. “We’ll showcase younger reed stars Roxy Coss and Aaron Johnson, joined by veterans Houston Person and, ahem, Ken Peplowski. We’ll also showcase the renowned lady of song, Mary Stallings, with the wonderful La Lucha rhythm section, pianist Shelly Berg guesting and a special appearance by vocalist Charles Turner!”
Admission: Members, $45; Nonmembers $55 (plus processing fee) or VIP or Combo ticket.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 9:30 pm: VIP “MEET & GREET.” Hyatt Regency Hotel
VIP guests have the opportunity to meet the evening’s festival musicians backstage.
Admission: VIP ticket.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, Noon-2:20 pm: FOUR JAZZ-THEMED STAGES: 1 TICKET • 4 STAGES • 4 BANDS • 8 PERFORMANCES & TWO BONUS CONCERTS. Hyatt Regency Hotel
● THEMED STAGES. Spend a lively afternoon moving among four stages with four bands. Enjoy up to 8 performances by national and regional musicians who are masters of the genre they’ll play.
BLUES STAGE CLASSIC STAGE
NOON BETTY FOX NOON ALLAN VACHÉ
1:20 BETTY FOX 1:20 ALLAN VACHÉ
CONTEMPORARY STAGE LATIN STAGE
NOON MARLON BOONE NOON FRANKIE PINEIRO
1:20 MARLON BOONE 1:20 FRANKIE PINEIRO
● TWO SPECIAL BONUS CONCERTS, GENERATIONS OF JAZZ. Patriarch Joe Bruno, 91 (trumpet), son Joe Bruno Jr. (bass) and grandson Nick Bruno (drums) present two concerts demonstrating the endurance of their musical dynasty, which began when Joe’s grandfather immigrated from Sicily. That cornetist played with the John Phillip Sousa Band and began a legacy that now includes numerous family members.
NOON The Bruno Family – One Hundred Years of Jazz
1:20 The Bruno Family – One Hundred Years of Jazz
Admission: Members, $15; Nonmembers $20 (plus processing fee) or VIP or Combo ticket.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 3-5 pm: AFTERNOON CONCERT. Mainstage, Hyatt Regency Ballroom
HOST: KAYONNE RILEY, director of WUCF FM 89.9, University of Central Florida, Orlando
KEN PEPLOWSKI PRESENTS GENERATIONS OF JAZZ: “On Saturday afternoon we have a very special show with Shelly Berg bringing in the University of Miami Big Band for a performance that features many of the Festival performers including Houston Person, Roxy Coss, Mary Stallings, John Lamb, Randy Sandke and a few surprises! We’ll also have the wonderful La Lucha Trio—Mark Feinman, John O’Leary and Alejandro Arenas.”
Admission: Members, $45; Nonmembers $55 (plus processing fee) or VIP or Combo ticket.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 6:30–9:30 pm: TWO CONCERTS. Mainstage, Hyatt Regency Ballroom
HOST: BOB SEYMOUR, Retired director of jazz and on-air host, WUSF 89.7 FM, Tampa; honorary member, Jazz Club of Sarasota Board of Directors
● 6:30 pm: HIGH SCHOOL WINNING BAND. Director Owen Bradley and the North Port High School Jazz One, present their take on the jazz of tomorrow; hird-place winner in the Jazz Club’s High School Jazz Band Competition
● 7:30 PM: KEN PEPLOWSKI PRESENTS GENERATIONS OF JAZZ. “Our Saturday night closing show is centered around two generations of great pianists, Bill Charlap and Dick Hyman, each performing solo and in combinations including Houston Person, Randy Sandke, John Lamb, yours truly, and our Festival house band La Lucha.”
● PRESENTATION OF SATCHMO AWARD: At this concert the Jazz Club will present its highest honor, the prestigious Satchmo Award, for “unique and enduring contribution to the living history of jazz.” Since the inception of the Satchmo in 1987 the Club has presented the award to a star-studded list of jazz stars including Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Gerry Mulligan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dick Hyman, Branford Marsalis and Family, Four Freshmen, Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Wycliffe Gordon and Jeff Hamilton. This award is sponsored by the Hal and Evelyn Davis Foundation in honor of Hal Davis, founder of the Jazz Club of Sarasota. (Sponsor: Harold and Evelyn R. Davis Foundation)
Admission: Members, $45; Nonmembers $55 (plus processing fee) or VIP ticket or combo ticket.
SPONSORS: “We’re very grateful to the sponsors whose contributions help to make our festival possible,” Linehan said. “Our activities were paid for in part by generous donations from our principal sponsors, Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues, Arbors Records, the Harold and Evelyn R. Davis Foundation and The Jazz Cruise. We’re also grateful for contributions from media sponsors and partner organizations, which are listed on our website, Sarasota Jazz Festival.”
Tags: Sarasota Jazz Festival