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 November. Keep in mind the reality of COVID-19 protocols, expect possible cancellations, and mask up to keep yourself and others safe.

September

Bobby van Deusen

• Thursday, September 29 – Pianist Bobby van Deusen opens the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s 2022-23 matinee music series. The Grill at 1951, Port Charlotte. 1:30 p.m. WEATHER CANCELLATION
  
• Friday, September 30 – Pianist Bobby van Deusen opens South County Jazz With Morrie’s 2022-23 series. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 2 p.m.  WEATHER CANCELLATION

October

• Monday, October 10 – The Jeff Rupert Quartet opens the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s 2022-23 Artist Series evening concert season. Gulf Theater, Punta Gorda. 7 p.m. CANCELED



Jimmy Greene


• Wednesday, October 12 – Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene is special guest with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra as the sextet opens its 2022-23 season. Artis Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16 -- The hardly-any-jazz Clearwater Jazz Holiday's 43rd annual festival. Trombone Shorty is the only jazz-tinged headliner on the three-day lineup, which includes Charlie Wilson and Waren Haynes' Gov't Mule band. BayCare Ballpark.
• Monday, October 17 – Paul Gavin and The Writers Corner perform 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, October 21 – The Manhattan Transfer 50^th anniversary concert opens the Jazz Club of Sarasota's 43^rd season as part of their farewell tour. Pianist Liston Gregory III opens the show. Sailor Circus Arena, Sarasota. 7 p.m.

November

• Wednesday, November 9 – Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson is special guest with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis Naples’ Daniels Pavilion, Naples. 6 and 8:30 p.m.

• 

  Jason Marsalis
  

  Monday, November 14 – Ronnie Leigh performs in the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s 2022-23 Artist Series evening concert season. Gulf Theater, Punta Gorda. 7 p.m.
• Friday to Sunday, November 18-20 – Suncoast Jazz Festival. This year's headliners include Adrian Cunningham, Kermit Ruffins, Judy Carmichael and Jason Marsalis. Sand Key, Clearwater.
• Saturday, November 26 – Saxophone smoothie Dav Koz and Friends, 25^th anniversary tour, with Rick Braun, Rebecca Jade, Keiko Matsui and Peter White. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 8 p.m.

Several venues offer jazz steadily. They include The Grill at 1951 (formerly J.D.’s Bistro) in Port Charlotte; Amore, and Cafe L'Europe in Sarasota; Scarpino’s in Bradenton; and The Roadhouse and The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro in Fort Myers. Jazz at Two Friday matinee concerts sponsored by the Jazz Club of Sarasota , the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s matinee series, and Morrie Trumble's South County Jazz With Morrie series in Venice also keep things swinging for jazz lovers.