Al Downing is legendary to those who remember the golden days of jazz in St. Petersburg. Piano talent and a desire to perpetuate jazz among young people everywhere were two qualities Al possessed from the time he was a young man in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He formed his first band in high school, pursued music throughout his college days and organized music programs at Gibbs High School when he moved to St. Petersburg in 1939.
Al served with the Tuskegee Airmen before leading the 613th Army Air Force Band and performed with armed forces bands internationally until retiring as a major in 1961. Al then got his masters in music, returned here and taught for 20 years at Gibbs High and St. Petersburg Junior College.
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association roots can be traced to the joint efforts of Al Downing and Ernie Calhoun, renowned Tampa saxophonist and humanitarian. Today it provides jazz opportunities for enthusiasts throughout the Tampa Bay area. The primary focus of the association is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of jazz.
To
- promote the love of jazz, its origins and evolution.
- present live jazz
- Work with youths who are interested in learning to explore & perform jazz
- Inform the public about jazz clinics, festivals, performances, events and club scenes
Provides scholarships to students who plan to further their jazz studies. ADTBJA’s funding comes primarily from membership dues and private donations. Corporate and private donations and bequests are appreciated.
Annual Membership is quite reasonable, at $30 for individuals, $40 for families, $25 for seniors (60+) and $15 for students. Lifetime memberships $500.
An August 11th concert at the Palladium Side Door is an annual favorite pairing jazz students with mentors. We will be there. Join us!
Article by Peter A. Roos