Friday, April 3, 2026

*LOW TIX ALERT* Tab Benoit + Samantha Fish - On a Collision Course for Dothan Alabama April 17, 2026

*LOW TIX ALERT* 
ONLY 3 TIX AVAILABLE ON FLOOR LEVEL AS OF 4/3/26!
BALCONY OVER 90% SOLD!
A COLLISION YOU WILL WANT TO BE IN!

Friday, April 17, 2026  Doors: 7p, Show: 8p CST
Dothan Opera House
115 N. St. Andrews St., Dothan, AL 36303
MAP |  WEBSITE

Catch blues-rock powerhouses Samantha Fish and Tab Benoit as their tours collide for one unforgettable night at the Dothan Opera House in Dothan, AL on April 17, 2026. Known for her explosive guitar work and soulful vocals, Fish brings fiery energy to the stage, while Benoit delivers his signature Louisiana blues with grit and heart. Together, these two dynamic performers promise a night of raw talent, high-octane performances, and electrifying chemistry that blues fans won’t want to miss.

About Tab Benoit
Tab Benoit is a Louisiana-born blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose swamp-blues sound embodies the heart and soul of the bayou. Raised in Houma, Louisiana, he grew up surrounded by Cajun, country, and blues influences that shaped his distinctive musical voice. Benoit began performing in Baton Rouge at the famed Blues Box Club, developing a raw, emotional playing style that became his signature. Since releasing his debut album Nice and Warm in 1992, he has earned multiple Blues Music Awards, Grammy nominations, and international acclaim for his passionate live performances and authentic Southern storytelling through music.

Benoit’s artistry extends beyond the stage — he is a dedicated environmental advocate who founded the nonprofit organization Voice of the Wetlands to raise awareness about the erosion of Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems. His efforts have been recognized nationally, including his role in the IMAX film Hurricane on the Bayou. With his fiery guitar tone, soulful vocals, and unwavering devotion to his home state, Tab Benoit continues to stand among the most respected figures in American roots and blues music.

About Samantha Fish
Samantha Fish is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri, known for her fearless blend of blues, rock, Americana, and soul. She began her musical journey on drums before switching to guitar as a teenager, immersing herself in local blues jams and quickly establishing a name for her explosive playing and dynamic stage presence. Her debut album Runaway earned her the 2012 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist, launching a global touring career that has seen her headline festivals and share stages with artists such as Buddy Guy, Devon Allman, and Tab Benoit.

Across albums including Wild Heart, Chills & Fever, Kill or Be Kind, Faster, and the acclaimed collaboration Death Wish Blues, Fish has continually evolved her sound while staying rooted in the emotional power of the blues. Her commanding performances combine expressive vocals, fiery guitar work, and a modern edge that have made her one of the most dynamic and influential artists of her generation.

About the Dothan Opera House
Built in 1915 and designed by the Atlanta architectural firm Morris & Morris, the Dothan Opera House was originally conceived to serve as both municipal offices and a performance auditorium. Over the years it has hosted plays, musicals, vaudeville shows, concerts, community ceremonies, and more. The Opera House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and underwent a major renovation completed in 2025, preserving its historic charm while adding modern performance enhancements. Located at 115 N. St. Andrews Street in downtown Dothan, it continues to serve as a cultural hub for regional arts and entertainment. Visitor information and performance schedules are available through Visit Dothan.

About Six String Southern Productions
Six String Southern Productions is an independent concert promoter and live event producer based in the Southeast. The company specializes in booking and presenting touring artists across multiple genres, as well as organizing events for private, corporate, and festival settings. As promoter, Six String Southern connects the Dothan Opera House with national and regional talent, helping bring exceptional live performances to audiences across the Wiregrass region.

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Tampa Jazz Club Presents USF Faculty Jazztet in Miles Davis Tribute at HC Ybor City Campus April 19, 2026

*NOTE CHANGE IN DATE OF THIS SHOW*

Tampa Jazz Club Presents a Tribute to
Rolling Stone Magazine's
"most revered jazz trumpeter of all time"
Live at HCC Ybor City Mainstage Theatre

Sunday, April 19, 2026 • 3:00 PM
*NOTE CHANGE OF DATE OF THIS SHOW*
USF Faculty Jazztet
Miles Davis Centennial
Birth of the Cool Tribute
at
HCC Visual & Performing Arts
& Tampa Jazz Club Series
Mainstage Theatre
HC Ybor City Campus
1411 East 11th Avenue • Tampa, FL 33605
MAP    WEBSITE

In celebration of Miles Davis’ centennial year, the USF Jazztet presents a tribute to the landmark recording that shifted the direction of modern jazz. In 1949, shortly after departing Charlie Parker’s band, Davis joined forces with arranger Gil Evans and a forward-thinking ensemble to record what became known as Birth of the Cool.

Davis and Evans would later collaborate on several period-defining projects including Miles Ahead, Sketches of Spain, and Porgy and Bess. This centennial program honors that influential chapter in jazz history.

The nonet is led by trombonist Tom Brantley and features trumpet player John Castleman. The USF Faculty Jazztet also includes Aaron West (alto saxophone), Ross Strauser (baritone saxophone), Lyndsie Wilson (French horn), Phil Beatty (tuba), Pablo Arencibia (piano), Mark Neuenschwander (bass), and David Rudolph (drums).

Join the Tampa Jazz Club for this season finale celebrating the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most influential recordings.


Tampa Jazz Club members receive an automatic discount by purchasing
with the email used for membership. To become a member click HERE.

“NEW TAMPA JAZZ NIGHTS”
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
& Tampa Jazz Club Series
8550 Hunters Village Road • Tampa, FL 33647
MAP   WEBSITE
Saturday, April 25, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Dave Stryker
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB WEBSITE
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB FACEBOOK
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB INSTAGRAM
The Tampa Jazz Club was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1995, with the objective of “generating interest in preserving, understanding and performing jazz.”
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Lakeside Jazz Festival Returns to Port Orange, April 17–18, 2026 for 27th Year

Showcasing Florida’s Next
Generation of Jazz Musicians
April 17–18, 2026
at
Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater
2001 City Center Cir, Port Orange, FL 32129
MAP   WEBSITE
Saturday Preferred Seating TICKETS
FREE ADMISSION

The Lakeside Jazz Festival is one of the premier jazz education events for middle and high school students in the Southeastern United States. Held annually each April in Port Orange, Florida, the festival is dedicated to showcasing student achievement in jazz while supporting long-term partnerships among education, the arts, local communities, and public institutions.

Founded in 1998, the Lakeside Jazz Festival was established to support jazz education and to provide scholarship opportunities for student musicians. Over more than two decades, it has grown into a respected annual event featuring middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional jazz ensembles. The festival emphasizes high educational standards through formal adjudication, performance opportunities, and meaningful exposure to collegiate music programs.

Since 2022, David Martin has served as Executive Director of the Lakeside Jazz Festival.

Festival Structure and Participation

The 2026 Lakeside Jazz Festival includes:

  • 73 student jazz ensembles
  • 62 participating educational institutions
  • All participating schools are located in Florida

Student ensembles participate in adjudicated performances during the daytime program. Each festival day concludes with performances by collegiate and professional invited ensembles, providing students with exposure to advanced ensemble performance beyond the adjudication process.

Click HERE for Performance Schedule

Invited Collegiate and Professional Ensembles

The 2026 invited ensemble lineup includes nationally recognized military bands and leading university jazz programs:

United States Air Force Band of the West – Dimensions in Blue
United States Marine Band
Spruce Creek High School 11 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble
Spruce Creek High School 12 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble
University of Central Florida Big Band II
University of Central Florida Flying Horse Big Band
University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble I
University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble II
University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble III
University of South Florida Jazz Ensemble I

These ensembles perform following daily adjudication sessions.

2026 Festival Adjudicators

The festival adjudication panel consists of experienced educators, performers, and jazz professionals from across Florida:

Clyde Connor – University of Florida
Jim Daniels
Marc Dickman – University of North Florida
Al Hager
Kevin Jones – Florida State University
Lisa Kelly – Vocal Jazz, UNF
Dennis Marks – University of North Florida
JB Scott – University of North Florida
Peter Waidelich – Daytona State College
Scott Wilson – University of Florida
Don Zentz – Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
David Detweiler – Florida State University
Laurie Zentz
Tom Brantley – University of South Florida

Participating Schools – 2026

The following schools are represented at the 2026 Lakeside Jazz Festival:

Atlantic High School
Bayside High School
Brandon High School
Creekside High School
Creekside Middle School
Cypress Bay High School
David C. Hinson Middle School
Daytona State College
DeLand Middle School
Deltona High School
Deltona Middle School
East Ridge High School
Emerald Cove Middle School
Eustis High School
Eustis Middle School
Flagler Palm Coast High School
Fort Clarke Middle School
Fort Pierce Westwood
Freedom Crossing Middle School
Fruit Cove Middle School
Gaither High School
Galaxy Middle School
Holy Cross Lutheran Academy Upper School
Howard Middle School
Hudson High School
Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts
J.W. Mitchell High School
Lake Nona High School
Lake Weir High School
Landrum Middle School
Mainland High School
Merritt Island High School
Monarch High School
New Smyrna Beach High School
North Fort Myers High School
NSB Middle School
Olympic High School
Orange Park High School
Ormond Beach Middle School
Pacetti Bay Middle School
Pine Ridge High School
R.J. Murray Middle School
Richard C. Spoto High School
Rockledge High School
Santaluces Community High School
Seabreeze High School
Seminole High School
Silver Sands
South Fork High School
Spruce Creek High School
Switzerland Point Middle School
The Geneva School
Umatilla High School
Umatilla Middle School
University High School
Viera High School
West Boca Raton High School
West Port High School
Wharton High School
William T. Dwyer High School
Zephyrhills High School

Click HERE for Volunteering Information

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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Anthony Hervey Headlines Dillard High School Jazz Concert with Guest Conductor Christopher Dorsey | April 12, 2026

A Jazz Appreciation Month performance brings together generations of Dillard’s nationally recognized program, with Director Voshaun A. Smith, former director Christopher Dorsey, and guest artist Anthony Hervey on one stage.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 4-6:30p
Dillard Center for the Arts
2501 NW 11th St, Ft. Lauderdale FL 33311

Presented during Jazz Appreciation Month, the April 12 concert at Dillard High School Center for the Arts brings together past and present in a way that reflects the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence and continuity. Former director Christopher Dorsey—who led the band during the student years of both Voshaun A. Smith and Anthony Hervey—returns as guest conductor, while Smith now leads the program as Director of Bands. Headlining the evening is Hervey, a graduate of Dillard’s nationally recognized jazz program who has gone on to establish a professional career on the national and international stage. Together, this moment highlights the enduring strength of the Dillard jazz legacy, where generations of musicians remain connected through education, performance, and the ongoing development of the art form within the community.

Christopher Dorsey served as band director and head of the jazz program at Dillard High School Center for the Arts from 2004 through 2022. Over that approximately 18-year tenure, he developed the ensemble into a nationally recognized program, with repeated appearances and top finishes at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. His leadership established a standard of excellence that shaped generations of student musicians—including both Smith and Hervey—and continues to define the program today.

Anthony Hervey attended Dillard High School Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, where he performed with the nationally recognized jazz program and participated in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. During his time there, he earned multiple Outstanding Trumpet Soloist honors and received the Ella Fitzgerald Outstanding Soloist Award as a senior, marking his early development as a standout young artist within one of the country’s leading high school jazz ensembles.

After graduating from Dillard, he attended The Juilliard School in New York, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 2019 and a Master’s Degree in 2020. While there, he co-founded the quartet Citizens of the Blues with fellow students, focusing on groove-centered, swing-based repertoire, and in February 2020 opened for tenor saxophonist Branford Marsalis. He also appeared on bassist Christian McBride’s 2019 Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue big band album For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver, joining the recording session on short notice—an early professional credit that reflected his growing national presence.

Frequently called upon to substitute in his band by Wynton Marsalis—who has mentored him and describes him as “a beautiful trumpet player of the first magnitude”—Hervey has toured, performed, and recorded with leading artists including Christian McBride, Jon Batiste, and Michael Bublé. He currently serves on the faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, teaching Jazz Trumpet in the Roots, Jazz, and American Music program. As a bandleader, he leads the Anthony Hervey Quintet, presenting original compositions that blend traditional jazz language with broader influences, and is featured on his debut album Words From My Horn. He continues to perform regularly with major ensembles including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with appearances at leading venues and festivals in the United States and internationally.

The jazz program at Dillard High School Center for the Arts has built a national reputation as one of the leading high school jazz ensembles in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale, the program is known for its disciplined approach, deep respect for jazz tradition, and consistent development of young musicians who continue on to professional careers. Under longtime leadership and a structured, performance-focused curriculum, the band has become a regular representative of Florida on the national stage, with a track record that reflects both musical excellence and educational depth.

A major part of that recognition comes through participation in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, widely regarded as the premier high school jazz competition in the country. Hosted annually by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, the program selects approximately 15 top bands from across North America to compete after a rigorous audition process. Dillard has been a frequent finalist and standout participant, including earning back-to-back first-place finishes in 2011 and 2012 and returning regularly as a contender among the nation’s top programs. More recently, the band achieved a second-place national finish in 2019, further reinforcing its sustained excellence.

Through its continued success, the Dillard High School Jazz Band has established itself not only as a top-performing ensemble, but also as a significant contributor to the pipeline of emerging jazz talent, maintaining a strong connection between education and the broader professional jazz community.

Dillard High School has deep roots in the history of Fort Lauderdale’s African American community. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century with the establishment of one of the first public schools for Black students in Broward County, created during a period of segregation when educational opportunities were limited. Over time, the school expanded beyond elementary grades and evolved into a full secondary institution, becoming a central part of the community’s educational and cultural life. Today, that legacy continues through Dillard High School Center for the Arts, where strong academic and performing arts programs—particularly in music—reflect a long-standing commitment to excellence and cultural expression.

A key figure in that history is Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, who served as band director at Dillard High School in the late 1940s and early 1950s before rising to international prominence as one of the leading alto saxophonists in jazz. Alongside his brother, Nat Adderley, he helped shape the soul jazz sound that became influential in the 1950s and 1960s. The brothers’ connection to Dillard represents a direct link between the school and the broader evolution of modern jazz, with Cannonball’s role leaving a lasting imprint on the school’s music program.

Voshaun A. Smith currently serves as Director of Bands at Dillard High School Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, where he leads the overall band program, including the jazz ensemble. A Fort Lauderdale native and graduate of Dillard High School (Class of 2016), he is a product of the same program he now directs, reflecting a strong continuation of the school’s musical tradition. He earned a degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he performed in multiple ensembles and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

Since returning to Dillard, Smith has played a key role in maintaining and advancing the program’s reputation for excellence. Under his leadership, student ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at district and state assessments, appeared at community venues throughout Fort Lauderdale, and participated in national-level events such as the Jazz Education Network Conference. In addition to directing the jazz band, he also leads the wind orchestra and marching band, emphasizing both musical achievement and student development. His work reflects a focus on continuity within the Dillard tradition while preparing the next generation of musicians for continued success.

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Tampa Jazz Club Season Series Finale Performance Led by Dave Stryker Set for April 25, 2026 at New Tampa PAC

Classic Stevie Wonder
Interpreted Through a Jazz Lens

NEW TAMPA JAZZ NIGHTS SEASON FINALE!
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Tampa, Florida
8550 Hunters Village Road • Tampa, FL 33647
MAP  |  WEBSITE
Saturday, April 25, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Dave Stryker
Buy Tickets
As the finale performance of the New Tampa Jazz Nights 2025-26 series, Tampa Jazz Club presents acclaimed guitarist Dave Stryker in a special performance that brings together two highly respected voices in jazz. Joining Stryker on tenor saxophone is Jack Wilkins, retired Director of Jazz Studies at the University of South Florida, whose long-standing contributions to jazz education and performance in Florida continue to resonate throughout the region.
Dave Stryker is widely recognized for his distinctive tone, melodic approach, and deep connection to the soul-jazz tradition. Over the course of a prolific career, he has recorded nearly 40 albums as a leader, with an impressive run of seven consecutive releases reaching the No. 1 position on the JazzWeek radio chart. His work reflects both consistency and evolution, balancing straight-ahead jazz with elements of blues, groove, and contemporary influences.
A defining chapter in Stryker’s career was his decade-long tenure with legendary saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. That experience helped shape his phrasing, feel, and musical direction, grounding his style in a blues-infused, audience-connected approach that remains central to his performances today.
In addition to his work as a bandleader, Stryker has collaborated with a wide range of notable artists and continues to be an active presence on the international jazz scene. His live performances are known for their accessibility, rhythmic drive, and strong interplay between musicians—qualities that align well with the intimate and attentive listening environment of the New Tampa Jazz Nights series for this season finale show.
This concert offers an opportunity to hear two seasoned musicians in a setting that highlights both artistry and connection with the audience. For Tampa-area jazz listeners, it is a chance to experience a nationally recognized artist alongside a respected local figure, presented within a series that continues to bring high-quality jazz programming to the community.
Tampa Jazz Club members receive an automatic discount when purchasing with the email used for membership.
To become a member, click HERE.

CONNECT WITH TAMPA JAZZ CLUB
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB WEBSITE
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB FACEBOOK
TAMPA JAZZ CLUB INSTAGRAM

The Tampa Jazz Club was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1995 with the objective of generating interest in preserving, understanding, and performing jazz.

~ ~ ~
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Gil Anthony's BLUES POWER TOP 30 for April 2026 - See who is spinning this month on the platter that matters!

Gil Anthony's BLUES POWER TOP 30

for April 2026

Connect on a personal level with the blues and its vibrant community by tuning in to Gil Anthony's BLUES POWER show live on Facebook.

Show Info

BLUES POWER w/ Gil Anthony (2013 Keeping the Blues Alive Award Winner)

WDIG 1450AM, Dothan, AL: Sundays 6–10pm CDT & Mondays 6–11pm CDT.
Listen live: https://ice-1.streamhoster.com/lv_wdigradio--broadcast1
First two hours both nights streamed live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gil.anthony.3
More info: gilanthonyblues.com

BLUES POWER TOP 30 (and a few more!) for APRIL 2026

1: Robbin Kapsalis, Blues Is in the House, Blues House
2: Sean McDonald, Have Mercy, Little Village
3: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Hard Road, Red Zero
4: Kyle Rowland, Not Holding Back, Little Village
5: Kim Wilson, Slow Burn, MC Records
6: Mississippi Heat, Don’t Look Back, Delmark
7: Teresa James, Bad at Being Good, MoMojo Records
8: Cat Campbell, A Little Hope, Self
9: Ben Rice, Fallen Angel, Self
10: Debra Power, Unapologetically Me, Self
11: James Hunter, Off the Fence, Easy Eye Sound
12: Tinsley Ellis, Labor of Love, Alligator
13: Johnny Max, Same, Poor Soul Records
14: J.T. Lauritsen, Still Be Friends, Hunter Records
15: Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Slideways, Alligator
16: Selwyn Birchwood, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, Alligator
17: Gabe Stillman, What Happens Next, Gulf Coast Records
18: Mike Finnigan, Same, Forty Below Records
19: Duke Robillard, Blast Off, Nola Blue
20: Bob Corritore, Ernestine Blues, SWMAF
21: Omar Coleman & Igor Prado, Old New Funky & Blue, Nola Blue
22: Pat Pepin, What More Can I Do, Self
23: Mick Kolassa, Blue to the Bone, Endless Blues
24: Catfish Keith, Sugar for Sugar, Fish Tail Records
25: Davey Jones, Ball Cap Blues, Self
26: Charlie Barath, Issaquena Getaway, Self
27: Garrett T. Willie, Bill’s Cafe, Gulf Coast Records
28: Pontchartrain Shakers, Love, Peace, & Chicken Grease, Southland Records
29: Laura Chavez, My Voice, Ruf Records
30: Paul Filipowicz, Breakwater, Big Jake Records

Also Playing: Stefan Hillesheim Band, Charles Turner, Brothers, Peter Veteska, J.B. Barnes, Billy Thompson, Luke Winslow-King, Brother John, Ed Alstrom, Weezil Malone Band, Larin Michaels, Tina Cossey

* Bold and/or linked indicates a Jazz & Blues Florida highlight (client, Florida artist, or close friend of the family).

Gil Anthony is a longtime blues radio host and promoter best known for his syndicated program Blues Power. With a broadcasting career spanning more than four decades, Anthony has played a consistent role in supporting and advancing blues music across the Southeast, particularly in southern Alabama and northern Florida. His Blues Power show, which began in the 1990s and expanded into a multi-hour weekly broadcast, features new releases, artist interviews, and festival promotion, and is streamed to listeners well beyond its regional base. In recognition of his contributions to the music, Anthony received a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation, one of the organization’s highest honors for individuals who support and promote the blues. In addition to his on-air work, he has been active as an event MC, festival supporter, and contributor to blues education initiatives, including programs connected to the Wiregrass Blues Festival. His ongoing Blues Power Top 30 charts continue to highlight current recordings receiving airplay and industry attention.

Contact

Mailing Address:
Gil Anthony
PO Box 6628
Dothan, AL 36302

Email: bluegil@hotmail.com
Website: gilanthonyblues.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gil.anthony.3
Phone: (334) 718-1736

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#JazzBluesFlorida #BluesPower #Top30 #GilAnthony #BluesMusic #WDIG1450AM #KeepingTheBluesAlive #BluesRadio #LiveBlues #ChatAndListen
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For Some It Is Every Month, For Everyone It Is This Month! April is Jazz Appreciation Month, So Celebrate!

*NOTE* GAINESVILLE BIG BAND CELEBRATES JAM AND TONY BENNETT  APRIL 12, 2026. INFO HERE. 

National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20560

Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) was established at the museum in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the heritage and history of jazz throughout the month of April.

JAM is designed to encourage participation from audiences of all ages. Individuals are invited to explore jazz through study, attend live performances, listen to broadcasts and recordings, read about the music, and engage with its ongoing development.

Jazz Appreciation Month 2026
JAM continues as an annual, monthlong tribute to jazz as both a historic and living American art form. The Smithsonian Jazz 2025–2026 season is supported by lead sponsors David C. Frederick and Sophia Lynn, with additional contributions from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation; the Argus Fund; the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, founding donor of the Smithsonian Jazz Endowment; and Goldman Sachs.

For Jazz Appreciation Month 2026, the National Museum of American History will present a full schedule of programming aligned with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The series will examine the diverse regional traditions that have shaped jazz across the country—from New Orleans to Chicago, Kansas City, and the West Coast—highlighting the cultural influences and distinct styles that define the music.

Each performance will focus on the unique voices and historical roots that contribute to the broader American jazz tradition, illustrating how these elements continue to interact within an evolving musical form. The programming presents jazz as both an artistic expression and a reflection of shared cultural identity, emphasizing its role in connecting communities through a common musical language.

All programs are offered free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Featured JAM Events

Blossom and the Shrub-Tones
Saturday, April 04, 2026

History Film Forum presents Early Jazz on Film
aturday, April 11, 2026

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Jazz Across America
Friday, April 17, 2026

Ella Fitzgerald Day
Friday, April 25, 2025

Shout and Feel It! Swing Dance with DC Lindy Exchange
Saturday, April 25, 2026

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(561) 313-7432 WhatsApp Text Only Please
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Gold Coast Jazz's First Friday Jazz Jams - Live and Local, Students and Pros, Players and Listeners, in Fort Lauderdale April 3, 2026


Another Gold Coast Jazz Community Event

Great local jazz students jamming with
a trio of professional jazz musicians!

First Friday of every month • January–June 2026
7:30–9:30 PM
ArtServe
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1350 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 462-8190 • artserve.org
MAP
FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING

FACEBOOK EVENT - Invite your friends!

The First Friday Jazz Jam is a live and open jazz jam session featuring student musicians. Jazz students from area middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities are invited to bring their instruments, their friends, and participate. The Jazz Jams provide area students a chance to perform before a live audience with a live professional backline, provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society. Nicole Yarling, jazz musician and jazz educator, leads each jam session. The general public is invited to attend as audience members. It’s a great night of jazz for families and jazz buffs alike.


The Gold Coast Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, educational programs, a jazz scholarship program, and musical services provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band.

Gold Coast Jazz Society History
Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr. had a vision to bring more jazz to the “Gold Coast” area of South Florida. In 1992, Fred and a group of avid jazz buffs made this vision a reality by forming a non-profit organization called the Gold Coast Jazz Society in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Following its formation, the GCJS developed a concert series, which was presented in the main dining room of the historic Riverside Hotel, located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. As the concert series continued to grow and expand, a larger venue was required. The concert series was eventually moved to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Arts & Science District of Fort Lauderdale. Today, the seven-concert jazz series continues to be presented in the Amaturo Theater each year from November through May. Over the years the Society has grown and expanded to include the presentation of jazz education and community outreach activities, the Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program, and many special events throughout the year.


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Monday, March 30, 2026

Northwood Art & Music Warehouse — Jazz, Blues and Much More of the Arts Spectrum in West Palm Beach, FL

Connect with the Arts Community
at West Palm Beach’s 
Cultural Creative Center

Northwood Art & Music Warehouse is a collaborative music venue and art studio designed to support community and creativity. The space offers a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy local beer and connect with friends and neighbors while experiencing live music and the arts.

Northwood Art &
Music Warehouse
933 28th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
MAP   WEBSITE  (561)425-9040

UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS

April 2026
11: Jon Zeeman, (Blues), $10, 8-11p.

19: Dale Jazz Band, 8-11p.

May 2026
9: JP Soars & the Red Hots  (Blues), $10 advance, 8-11p.

Northwood Art & Music Warehouse presents a wide range of visual and performing arts for the community, by the community. The venue also supports the continuation of cultural arts by providing hands-on educational opportunities on site.  Visitors can check the calendar for upcoming hours of operation and sign up for the NEWSLETTER to receive the schedule directly in their inbox.



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Jazz & Blues Florida
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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Arts Garage Hosts A-List Artists in April in Delray Beach - McBride, Calloway, Skonberg, Smith, Stritch & Stravelli and More!

This April, enjoy a wide variety of 
TOP OF THE LINE
live performances at Arts Garage
Arts Garage
94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
MAP   WEBSITE   (561) 450-6357
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

Arts Garage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, multi-disciplinary performing arts venue in downtown Delray Beach. The organization provides accessible arts experiences across Palm Beach County and South Florida, featuring touring musicians, theatre productions, education programs, and visual arts exhibitions.

The April 2026 jazz and blues lineup includes Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Ann Hampton Callaway, Bria Skonberg, Walter Smith III Trio, Billy Stritch & Gabrielle Stravelli, and the Blues Brothers Soul Band.

April 2026 Concert Highlights


Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 8–10 P.M.
Walter Smith III Trio

Celebrating the release of his March 2026 album TWIO Vol. 2, Walter Smith III presents a classic saxophone trio performance featuring selections from the jazz standard repertoire.


Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8 P.M.
Mel & Ella Swing!
featuring Billy Stritch & Gabrielle Stravelli

Iconic singer/pianist Billy Stritch and acclaimed vocalist/songwriter Gabrielle Stravelli combine their considerable talents for an evening of great music celebrating the legendary Mel Tormé and Ella Fitzgerald. The show includes beloved favorites from the Great American Songbook (The Man I Love, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Cheek to Cheek) and swinging jazz standards (Too Close for Comfort, Oh, Lady Be Good!). These two performers have brought their magic to stages all over the world and together bring an incredible knowledge and feel for this great music.

Band Members:

Billy Stritch - Piano and Vocals
Gabrielle Stravelli - Vocals
Pat O'Leary - Bass
Goetz Kujack - Drums


April 17 & 18, 2026 | 8 P.M.
Ann Hampton Callaway
The Barbra Streisand Songbook

Platinum Award Winning singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway celebrates the music of one of America's most powerful and enduring musical artists. Singing timeless classics from five decades of Barbra Streisand's multi-faceted career, Callaway crafts a loving musical portrait of the icon who began as a role model for her and evolved as a mentor, recording Ann's songs on six of her recent CDs, including I've Dreamed Of You, the song that Streisand sang on her wedding day. In a night of soaring songs and stories, Callaway promises a performance that not only celebrates the extraordinary career of Barbra Streisand, but also reminds us of "the way we were."

Band Members:
Ann Hampton Callaway - Vocals
John Proulx - Piano


Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 4:30 & 7:30 P.M.
Bria Skonberg

Bria Skonberg is a Juno Award-winning artist, 10x Downbeat Rising Star, Jazz at Lincoln Center Swing! Awardee, and the 2022 recipient of the "Legend" Award by the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. The trumpeter, vocalist, and composer has been called the "shining hope of hot jazz" (NY Times) and is considered "one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation" (WSJ). She has been a featured artist at hundreds of festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Monterey, Newport, and Montreal Jazz Festivals.


Friday, April 24, 2026 | 8 P.M.
The Blues Brothers Soul Band
TICKETS & INFO
Facebook Event - Invite your friends!
Another Great Tribute Band courtesy of Tom Porter

Blues Brothers Soul Band Tribute is a high-kicking, hard-rocking, nail-biting, cat-fighting, film-faking, tight-fitting, feet-stomping, dance-crazed, alcohol-hazed, powerhouse performance of a show. (Amen!)

Band Members:
Dave "Doc Brown" Langley - Bass & Vocals
Mark "World Tour" DeRose - Drums & Percussion
Brad Jimenez - Bari Sax & Vocals
Mark Ordway - Trumpet & Vocals
Tom Lacy - Trombone & Vocals


Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 5:30 & 8:30 P.M.
Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is an eleven-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, and serves as Artistic Director of Jazz House KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to artistic directing and consistent touring with his ensembles, he hosts NPR's "Jazz Night in America" and "The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian" on SiriusXM. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—inviting us to join him.

Band Members:
Christian McBride - Bass
Michael King - Keys
Savannah Harris - Drums
Nicole Glover - Saxophone
Ely Perlman - Guitar


LOOKING AHEAD:
Damon Fowler: May 1, 2026
Tal Cohen: May 8, 2026
Jean Caze: May 15, 2026
Ella & the Bossa Beat: May 25, 2026
Gerald Law II: May 30, 2026

Distributed by:
Jazz & Blues Florida
JazzBluesFlorida.com
(561) 313-7432 WhatsApp Text Only Please
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
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