Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the
35th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival
March 1-7
This renowned festival marks its 35th year with a lineup that includes Dick Hyman, Ken Peplowski, the Freddy Cole Quartet, and vocalist Karla Harris and the Ted Howe Trio in a debut of “Tribute to Brubeck.” Concert pianist (“Queen of the Keys”) Lillette Jenkins-Wisner will be awarded this year’s Satchmo Award for her outstanding contributions to jazz.
(Sarasota, Florida) The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents its 35th annual Sarasota Jazz Festival, March 1-7. This year’s lineup includes world-renowned pianist and composer Dick Hyman in concert with saxophonist and clarinetist Ken Peplowski and vocalist Kitt Moran; the Freddy Cole Quartet; vocalist Karla Harris, performing a live debut of “A Tribute to Brubeck” with the Ted Howe Trio; the Sarasota Jazz Project with John Lamb and June Garber; and jazz violinist Doug Cameron. This year’s festival also includes the free “Jazz in the Park” kickoff concert at Phillippi Estate Park and the popular Jazz Trolley and Pub Crawl. Concert pianist (“Queen of the Keys”) Lillette Jenkins-Wisner will be awarded this year’s Satchmo Award for her outstanding contributions to jazz at the concert on March 7.
The 2015 Sarasota Jazz Festival is sponsored by The Jazz Cruise and by Sarasota County Tourist Development tax revenues. Evening concerts are at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. Evening concert tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. New this year for Jazz Club members are members-only VIP packages that include VIP seating to all evening concerts, a meet-and-greet with Freddy Cole, and a ticket to the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl. Members-only packages are $140 and are available by calling 941-366-1552. For updates, group prices and more information about the 35th annual Sarasota Jazz Festival, call 941-366-1552, or visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org.
“We’re celebrating the 35th anniversary in grand style,” says Peg Pluto, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota. “This promises to be a week of memorable jazz with something for everyone.”
The 2015 Festival at a Glance
(Visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org or call 914-366-1552 for updates and added events.)
Sunday March 1 § 1- 4 p.m.
FREE “Jazz in the Park’ Concert at Phillippi Estate Park
The 35th annual Jazz Festival kicks off with an afternoon of jazz at Phillippi Estate Park with the Doug Cameron Quartet, plus performances by the Pine View Jazz Quartet and the Riverview High School Jazz Ensemble. A veteran of the Los Angeles studio scene, Doug Cameron has recorded and performed with such greats as George Benson, Doc Severinsen, Tom Petty, Cher, The Allman Brothers, Dionne Warwick and more. Bring a blanket or chair; no coolers. Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota § 941-366-1552.
Tuesday, March 3 § 7:30 p.m.
Big Band Concert Featuring John Lamb and June Garber with the Sarasota Jazz Project Big Band
Former Duke Ellington bassist John Lamb and sizzling Canadian vocalist June Garber join forces with the Sarasota Jazz Project Big Band for an evening of swinging big band jazz. $35 general admission § $25 club members § Students free at door with ID · www.brownpapertickets.com .· 800-838-3006.
Wednesday, March 4 § 6:15-10:30 p.m.
Jazz Trolley & Pub Crawl
Jazz Trolley Night is back! Hop on board the trolley for a spirited evening on the town with great libations and live jazz at a variety of venues, including:
Senior Friendship Center – Betty Comora
Villa Toscana – David Pruyn
Salute! – Al Hixon
Marina Jack’s – James Williams
The Gator Club – Skip Conkling
Z’s on Main – Thomas Carabasi
Darwin’s on 4th – Alki Steriopoulos
Blue Rooster – Blues
Starlite Room – Melanie Massell
Trolleys depart from the parking lot of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance; $20 at the trolley· 941-366-1552.
Thursday, March 5 § 7:30 p.m.
The Freddy Cole Quartet: “Jazz Meets the Blues”
The younger brother of Nat King Cole and uncle of Natalie Cole, singer/pianist Freddy Cole sounds a great deal like his celebrated sibling, yet has a personality and following all his own. His vocals, suave, elegant, formidable and articulate, are among the most respected in jazz. The instantly recognizable Cole voice is backed up by an ace quartet, with drummer Herman Burney, bassist Henry Conerway and guitarist Randy Napoleon. This is burnished, bluesy, urbane yet earthy jazz, performed by true masters of the genre. $40 general admission § $30 club members § Meet & Greet VIP tickets $50 · Students free at door with ID · www.brownpapertickets.com .· 800-838-3006.
Friday, March 6 § 7:30 p.m.
Sarasota Debut!
Karla Harris and the Ted Howe Trio: “A Tribute to Brubeck”
With a style and range that runs from velvety vulnerability to soul-tinged power, singer Karla Harris is known for jazz vocals that bring honeyed nuance, sophisticated warmth and dynamic delivery to the songs she sings. Harris recently released the first-ever studio recording of vocal versions of Dave Brubeck compositions with lyrics written by his wife Lola. Harris teams up with producer Ted Howe and his trio for the live debut of this project. $45 general admission § $35 club members § Students free at door with ID · www.brownpapertickets.com .· 800-838-3006.
Saturday, March 7 § 7:30 p.m.
Dick Hyman and Ken Peplowski with Kitt Moran
The 2015 Jazz Festival closes out in grand style with a performance by this trio of acclaimed jazz artists. Dick Hyman teams up with clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski and vocalist Kitt Moran. $45 general admission § $35 club members § $50 VIP seating § Students free at door with ID · www.brownpapertickets.com .· 800-838-3006.
