By Nanette Wiser
HIGH NOTES Arenas, Lasky & Nash performed brilliantly around town and the Suncoast Jazz Festival, giving Burt Bacharach’s songbook a stellar and sultry new coat of paint. Now pianist Simon Lasky, bassist Alejandro Arenas & vocalist Allison Nash are working on recording their debut album “The Bacharach Book” with special guests including Mark Feinman & Patrick Bettison. Catch Simon Friday nights in his residency at tahe bar in The Birchwood Hotel and for Sunday brunch at Circo Italian Kitchen.
Tampa Bay Blues Festival rocks downtown St. Pete April 10-12 with a kick-off featuring GA-20 And Jackie Venson at the Palladium Theater on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30pm. GA-20 brings its high energy, raw blues to the Palladium, influenced by Chicago blues masters like Otis Rush, Howlin’ Wolf, Hound Dog Taylor, and Junior Wells and using vintage instruments and amplifiers, GA-20 brings an authentic electric blues show starting at 9:30pm. Tab Benoit, Los Lobos, Tommy Castro, Jimmy Vaughan, Nikki Hill, Tab Benoit, Vanessa Collier and a star-studded cast of blues rockers will blow your socks (or sandals) off! www.tampabaybluesfest.com
WOMEN OF JAZZ On April 19 @ 4pm, the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association will celebrate the rich and lasting contributions women have made to our history and culture at The Palladium. Valerie Gillespie leading this year’s Women of Jazz XIX concert, featuring an exceptional ensemble of artists including Judi Glover on piano, Holly Cordero on bass, Jean Bolduc on drums, and Valerie Gillespie on saxophone and vocals. Vocalists Belinda Womack, Theo Valentin, and Allison Nash will take the lead in sharing their powerful talents throughout the evening. This year, Women of Jazz proudly honors Rose Bilal and presents a dynamic program of instrumental and vocal jazz composed or made famous by women as well as the Young Women of Jazz Youth Group.
ST. PETE JAZZ FESTIVAL Can’t wait for the 30th season of the 2026 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival to perform April 8-11 at the Warehouse Arts District’s Rosie Cohen Stage @ArtsXchange Stage in downtown St. Pete. Presented by WADA and David Manson’s EMIT non-profit foundation, the highly anticipated event features performances from NYC & St. Pete’s Alexis Cole with Manson’s Helios Jazz Orchestra (4/8), the Johnbern Thomas Quintet (4/9), Steinway pianist Markus Gottschlich with his Trio (4/10) and Martin Bejerano #CubanAmerican Trio featuring special guest Dafnis Prieto (4/11) Opening acts include Downtown Trip Plus One and Randy Bordon Trio. All four evening concerts will be at WADA’s outdoor stage.
AMERICA 250 @ The Palladium July 1 the celebration continues from the St. Petersburg Museum of History to libraries and historical societies around the county. On July 8, Heritage Village will host a festive reading of the Declaration of Independence with Americana delights, from ice cream to old fashioned music; stay tuned for more about this. The Palladium is also lighting up the skies with an incredible concert that is sure to sell out.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a spectacular evening of music that spans the nation’s history. America 250: Together in Harmony is a vibrant big band concert featuring acclaimed vocalist Allyson Briggs and bandleader Dan Gabel with a thrilling 18-piece orchestra, bringing the All-American big band tradition to life. Presented as St. Petersburg College’s official America 250 celebration, this special event takes audiences on a musical journey through the sounds that helped shape the American story. From early patriotic melodies of the 1700s to the swing era that energized the nation during World War II, the program explores how music has reflected, and united, generations of Americans. Through beloved standards and rediscovered classics, Briggs and Gabel highlight the composers, performers, and cultural moments that defined American music. Selections span more than two centuries and include favorites such as “Yankee Doodle,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Over There,” “We’ll Meet Again,” “God Bless America,” and “Sentimental Journey.” Bringing together two artists devoted to preserving the golden age of American music, this unforgettable evening blends dazzling big band energy with a rich sense of history, celebrating the spirit, resilience, and harmony of America through song.