The Helios Jazz Orchestra is an ensemble-in-residence at St. Petersburg College. The 18-piece jazz big band is a college course that meets weekly to rehearse under the direction of SPC professor David Manson.

Members of the band include jazz professionals, music educators, SPC alumni and current students at the college. The ensemble has performed at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ybor Jazz Festival, Salvador Dali Museum, Palladium Theater and St. Petersburg Jazz Festival.

“Radiant Forces” is a compilation of video from four live concerts given by the Helios Jazz Orchestra. The project was funded through a 2012 FGO Creativity grant received by David Manson. The first chapter of the DVD is from a concert of spy music from film and T.V. performed at the Ybor Jazz Festival. The second chapter features Helios with singer Lorri Hafer at the event venue NOVA 535. The third chapter featured singer Bryan Hughes at the SPC Music Center. The DVD closes with Helios and singer Whitney James at NOVA 535. “Radiant Forces” is being given to area music educators and potential SPC students.

The Helios Jazz Orchestra looks forward to a summer performance at the Palladium Theater Side Door.