By Nanette Wiser
JAZZY JOY David Manson conducts, teaches and performs with his Latin band O Som Do Jazz and others. Don’t miss his virtuoso performances February 17@7:30pm when Craig Kallas & Helios Jazz Orchestra perform at Palladium Side Door. Mark your calendars now for the annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival produced by EMIT & WADA at the Warehouse Arts District ArtsXChange stage in April! 4/8 – Alexis Cole & The Helios Jazz Orchestra; 4/9 – Johnbern Thomas Quintet & Randy Bordon Trio; 4/10 - Markus Gottschlich Trio & Hot Club SRQ; 4/11 – Martin Bejerano #CubanAmerican Trio featuring special guest Dafnis Prieto & the Downtown Trio Plus One.
COWBOYS ON THE BEACH Country Thunder – the largest country music festival brand in North America – is making history next year with its first-ever beachfront festival, Country Thunder Florida May 8-10 on the Tradewinds Resort’s iconic sugar-white Gulf sands. Rolling Stone announced the line-up including superstar headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown, with a powerhouse supporting cast that includes Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Dasha, and many more. Tickets and Premium packages are available online for the beachfront stages with performances from Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin, Elizabeth Nichols, Solon Holt, Jay Webb, and additional rising acts. Beyond the music, the concourse promises all-day action: cowboy hat and apparel vendors, a wide range of food offerings, signature carnival rides plus an additional stage spotlighting rising artists from the “Sunshine State” and Songwriter Showcase featuring the writers behind the Main Stage’s biggest smashes. With surprise artist meet & greets known to pop up unannounced, fans will want to stay on their toes.
BEST BETS Crash land into your seat at The Mahaffey with The Rocket Man Show 1/31, starring Scotsman Rus Anderson – Elton John’s official 70’s body double as featured in the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour promo videos and photos. Celebrate love with Whitney James for her annual Jazz Valentine Concert at The Palladium 2/14, a show that sells out early.
PARTY WITH THE CREW
On Feb. 21, the St. Petersburg Museum of History will host A Grove of Giving: The Sunshine City Soiree featuring the one and only Bryan J. Hughes and The Crew, with James Suggs at The Vinoy. Suggs’ new CD – For All We Know – is topping the jazz charts and has everyone talking, and this unforgettable fundraiser will be illuminated by one of jazzy American Songbook music. https://bit.ly/48ZGM7g
KUDOS The Warehouse Arts District (WADA) Executive Director and acclaimed Steinway pianist/composer Markus Gottschlich won a prestigious silver Anthem Award for helping stabilize and support the St. Pete arts community after funding losses and hurricane impacts through emergency grants. Anthem recognized his non-profit leader work in the category: Sustaining the Arts in St Petersburg: Silver Winner in Education, Art & Culture. Gottschlich’s efforts led to nearly $700K in new city arts funding and WADA’s distribution of $20K in emergency grants. The campaign preserved creative livelihoods, strengthened civic partnerships, and affirmed the arts as essential to community recovery and resilience. Said Gottschlich in his video: “The arts and culture are what turns space into place, and people into community.” The ArtsXchange will be named the Rosie Cohen Stage thanks to a major gift by Nancy and Richard Cohen. This stage will be the official venue of the 2026 St. Pete Jazz Festival.