Looking Ahead: Southwest Florida Jazz Preview

Here is a rundown of noteworthy jazz events, principally in the Sarasota to Naples territory, from now through February, as the 2019-20 concert season continues….

December

• Wednesday, December 18 – Guitarist Peter Bernstein guests with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra in the sextet’s 2019-2020 concert series. Artis-Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.

Nicki Parrott

 January

• Sunday, January 12 – Violinist Cynthia Sayer’s Hot Jazz Quartet, Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, 2 p.m.
• Monday, January 13 – Drummer Eddie Metz Jr., bassist-singer Nicki Parrott and pianist Rossano Sportiello (the International Trio) perform in the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s concert series. William H. Wakeman III Theater, Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Port Charlotte. 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 15 – Saxophonist Jerry Weldon guests with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra in the sextet’s 2019-2020 concert series. Artis-Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.

  

  Kenny Washington

• Friday, January 17– Singer Kenny Washington is featured with the Dan Miller-Lew Del Gatto Quintet performs in the Jazzy Nights concert series. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers. 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 18 – Saxophonist Branford Marsalis’ quartet. Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo, 8 p.m.
• Sunday, January 19 – Drummer Eddie Metz Jr., bassist-singer Nicki Parrott and pianist Rosanno Sportiello. A Jazz With Morrie co-production. Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, January 30 – Pianist Dick Hyman, reed player Ken Peplowski and singer Clairdee perform Hyman’s movie music. Venice Performing Arts Center. 7 p.m.

February

• Sunday, February 9 – Singer Veronica Swift and the Jeff Rupert quartet. A Jazz With Morrie co-production. Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, 2.p.m.
• Monday, February 10 – Pianist Roy Gerson’s Swingtet performs in the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s concert series. William H. Wakeman III Theater, Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Port Charlotte. 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 12 – Stefon Harris guests with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra in the sextet’s 2019-2020 concert series. Artis-Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 22 – The 15^th annual edition of the Punta Gorda Wine & Jazz Festival. This year’s smooth-jazz lineup at this Chamber of Commerce-run event features guitarist Matt Marshak, and saxophonists Eric Darius and Mindi Abair. Laishley Park. 1 p.m.

  

  Diego Figueiredo

• Sunday, February 23 – Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo. A Jazz With Morrie co-production.  Glenridge Performing Arts Center, Sarasota. 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 25 through Saturday, February 29: Singer Carmen Bradford and singer-trumpeter Byron Stripling join the Naples Philharmonic Pops in a Tribute to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples.

Several local venues offer jazz steadily. They include J.D.’s Bistro in Port Charlotte, The Blue Turtle in Punta Gorda, Amore, the Art Ovation Hotel and the Burns Court Bistro in Sarasota, the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, The Roadhouse, Society and The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro in Fort Myers, and Slate’s in Cape Coral. A variety of matinee concerts sponsored all season by the Jazz Club of Sarasota and Morrie Trumble Productions also keep things swinging for jazz lovers.