Looking Ahead: Southwest Florida jazz concert preview

The 2015-16 jazz concert season is underway and will continue through May, bolstered by the gradual arrival of the snowbirds. Here is a rundown of noteworthy jazz events, principally in the Sarasota to Naples territory, from now through January. I’ll post updated lists as the season progresses.
 

Dave Pruyn

• Wednesday, November 18 – California-based singer Kenny Washington joins the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for the sextet’s monthly All That Jazz concert. Daniels Pavilion, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 13 – The Four Freshmen in concert. South County Jazz Club series, Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, 2 p.m.
• Monday, December 14 – Singer-trumpeter-drummer Dave Pruyn and his Jazz Legacy Big Band in concert, Charlotte County Jazz Society‘s Artists Series. Cultural Center of Charlotte County. 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 16 – Trombonist Robin Eubanks joins the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for the sextet’s monthly All That Jazz concert. Daniels Pavilion, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, December 18 – Guitarist Nate Najar’s All-Star Big Band, with Harry Allen, Jon-Erik Kellso, John Lamb. Ken Peplowski, Chuck Redd, Jeff Rupert and others, presents a Big Band Jazz Holiday concert. Jazz Club of Sarasota, Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 6 – Guitarist Joe Cohn joins the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for the sextet’s monthly All That Jazz concert. Daniels Pavilion, 6 and 8:30 p.m.

  

  Nicki Parrott

• Sunday, January 10 – The Naples Jazz Orchestra opens its seventh season celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s classic Sinatra at the Sands recording at the big band’s new home, Titans Auditorium, located just off I-75’s exit 101 at 2925 Titan Way, Naples. The 7 p.m. concert will feature singer Walt Andrus.
• Monday, January 11, 2016 – Drummer Eddie Metz’s trio with bassist Nicki Parrott and pianist Rossano Sportiello. Charlotte County Jazz Society‘s Artists Series. Cultural Center of Charlotte County. 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 12 – Trombonist Herb Bruce and his Herbicide Dixieland Band. South County Jazz Club performance, Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7 p.m. 

Several local restaurants (including J.D.’s in Port Charlotte, The Orange House in Punta Gorda, Fandango in Sarasota, and The Roadhouse in Ft. Myers, offer jazz steadily. A variety of matinee concerts sponsored all season by the Jazz Club of Sarasota and the South County Jazz Club also keep things swinging for jazz lovers.