Looking ahead: Southwest Florida jazz preview (updated)

Here is a rundown of noteworthy jazz events, principally in the Sarasota to Naples territory, from now through May. Keep in mind the reality of COVID-19 protocols, expect possible cancellations, and mask up to keep yourself and others safe.

March

• Thursday, March 24 – Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge celebrate their new CD, Within Us, and the band's 25-year history. USF Concert Hall, Tampa. 7:30 p.m.

April

• Tuesday, April 5 – Saxophonist Kenny G in concert. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 6 – The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra performs the music of Thelonious Monk. Artis Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 10 –The Dan Miller-Lew Del Gatto quintet featuring 16-year-old pianist Brandon Goldberg. Naples United Church of Christ, Naples. 5 p.m.

• 

  Diana Krall
  

  Monday, April 11 – Trombonist Herb Bruce's band Herbicide wraps up the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s 2021-22 concert series. Gulf Theater, Military History Museum, Punta Gorda. 7 p.m.
• Monday, April 11 – Trumpeter James Suggs performs in the Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series at the John C Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre. Sarasota. 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 22 – The Aaron Diehl trio performs in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center's Jazzy Nights series. Fort Myers. 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23 – Singer-pianist Diana Krall in concert. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 25 – Guitarist LaRue Nicholson performs in the Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series at the John C Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre. Sarasota. 7:30 p.m.

• 

  Wycliffe Gordon
  

  Wednesday, April 27 – Alto saxophonist Dick Oatts is special guest with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 29 – Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon performs in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center's Jazzy Nights series. Fort Myers. 7:30 p.m.

May

• Monday, May 9 – Singer Chiara Izzi performs in the Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series at the John C Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre. Sarasota. 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 18 – Vibraphonist Warren Wolf is special guest with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra as the quintet concludes its 2021-22 season. Artis Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 23 – The Tampa-based trio La Lucha performs in the Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series at the John C Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre. Sarasota. 7:30 p.m.
  

Several venues offer jazz steadily. They include The Grill at 1951 (formerly J.D.’s Bistro) in Port Charlotte; Amore, Cafe L'Europe and Goodfella’s Cafe in Sarasota; Scarpino's in Bradenton; The Roadhouse and The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro in Fort Myers; and Slate’s in Cape Coral.

Jazz at Two Friday matinee concerts sponsored by the Jazz Club of Sarasota and Morrie Trumble's Jazz With Morrie series in Venice also keep things swinging for jazz lovers.