Jamming for a super cause

There’s an event scheduled Sunday, April 15 that should be top of mind for anyone in the jazz community near or far who has enjoyed hearing pianist Michael Royal in concert or via recording – or has had the pleasure of working with him.

The South County Jazz Club has organized an afternoon jam session at Floribbean Restaurant & Lounge’s new upstairs banquet room to benefit Michael and his wife Julie in a time of overwhelming financial need.

Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer, has had three surgeries and faces significant radiation and medication treatments. The estimated cost for all of this is into six figures and – as sometimes the case with musicians and their families – the Royals have no health insurance.

The benefit runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Floribbean, 1400 Main Street in Sarasota [Phone (941) 365-2266]. The South County Jazz Club and the Jazz Club of Sarasota are among those spreading the word. The suggested minimum donation for attendees is $20 apiece. The restaurant is also kicking in a percentage of proceeds from its food and beverage sales.

If you can attend and help, I will see you there. If scheduling conflicts or geography are issues, I encourage you to help by writing a check.

Checks should be made out to Michael Royal, and mailed to:

Michael Royal
c/o South County Jazz Club
1435 East Venice Ave #104-172
Venice, FL 34292


(Michael Royal photo by Gary F. Humes)