St. Petersburg Jazz Festival kicks off Feb. 24

The 2016 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival kicks off on Feb. 24 with five local concerts nightly through Feb. 28.  Originally dubbed the St. Petersburg College Jazz Fest, the event has evolved into a city-wide celebration now in its eighth year.

SPC music professor, trombonist and composer David Manson started the event in 2009 to promote an American music form that is appreciated around the world.

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2016 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival Schedule

2016 St. Petersburg Jazz FestivalPresented by EMIT and St. Petersburg College, this year’s St. Petersburg Jazz Festival schedule includes:

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
James Varnado Jazz/Funk Band
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: $15 – Buy Tickets Online

Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Bird and Diz
A tribute to Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie led by James Suggs and Austin Vickery
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: $15 – Buy Tickets Online

Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
The Silvano Monasterios Trio
Featuring the compositions of Silvano Monasterios joined by Jon Dadurka on bass and Rodolfo Zuñiga on drums
Side Door at the Palladium Theater
253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: $15 – Buy Tickets Online

Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Fred Johnson and the Helios Jazz Orchestra
St. Petersburg College Music Center
6605 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: $15 at the door (Free for SPC students, faculty and staff with college ID)

Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
The Post-Festival Jazz Jam
Hosted by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association
Manhattan Casino
642 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg
Cost: $5