Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Party With The Blues In Largo Saturday Night w/ Sandy Atkinson & The Birthday Boys

Who Doesn't Want to
Have A Good Time Tonight?
(Sandy Atkinson's New Florida Blues Album!)

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - 8p
Special birthday party bash and 
NEW ALBUM RELEASE 
celebration! 
Cannon, Sandy, Jeff and Dean are
ALL celebrating birthdays. 
Join them for too much fun!!
at
Finley's Irish Pub
13477 Belcher Rd South
Largo, FL 33771 
MAP  WEBSITE  
(727)535-7858

Known for their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry on stage, Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves are set to deliver a performance that will have you moving, grooving, and feeling every beat. Their latest release, Have A Good Time Tonight, featuring a blend of Blues, Rock, and Americana, showcases Sandy’s original songs and is available on vinyl and flash drives – a nod to the growing demand for vintage sounds. Yes, vinyl is back, and Sandy is embracing it with this 7th album! The group, made up of seasoned professionals including Cannon Quinn, Dean Germain, Dennis McCarthy, and Jeff 'Stick' Davis, creates an unforgettable musical experience, pairing Sandy’s soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting with The True Loves' vibrant and passionate instrumentation.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Sandy's music for the first time, this album release promises to be one of the year's standout events. Skipper's Smokehouse, with its Old Florida charm, provides the ideal setting for a powerful performance by Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves.

Album available at show in 
vinyl, CD, and USB formats.

CONNECT WITH SANDY!


Get To Know Sandy as she hosts the new "Play Me Some Blues" radio show on Radiostpete.com - 96.7 FM  that airs every Friday afternoon at 3p.  The program, and the station, focuses on featuring local area artists as well as regional artists from around Florida.  

~  ~  ~ 
Distribution by
(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
If you wish to be included in our personalized 
subscriber list please use this FORM
Join us on INSTAGRAM!
See what we see on YOUTUBE!
And, of course, you can LIKE us on FACEBOOK!
(Maxed out at 5K on the personal page since 2016)
We link to business on LINKEDIN.
And, yes, PINTEREST, too!
~ ~ ~ ~
And, if you like what you see here, please 
HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below! 

Suncoast Jazz Festival 2024! Fantastic Music, Great People, & Good Times on Clearwater Beach Nov 22-24.


Suncoast Jazz Festival 2024!

Nothing Beats the

Excitement of Live JAZZ. Feel It. Hear It. Live It.


A weekend filled with an amazing variety of Jazz genres featuring
renowned artists performing in cool, air-conditioned surroundings!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE TBA

The Suncoast Jazz Festival in Clearwater Beach guarantees an immersive experience for jazz enthusiasts, offering exceptional performances, community involvement, and the stunning backdrop of Florida's Suncoast. It's a chance to engage in a cherished tradition and contribute to the future of jazz.

Headliners:
Diego Figueiredo - Brazil
Jason Marsalis - NOLA
Ken Peplowski - NYC
New Black Eagle Jazz Band - New England
Wally’s Warehouse Waifs - Michigan
Wycliffe Gordon - Georgia

And so much more...
Tom Hook
Theo Valentin
Synia Carroll
St. Louis Stompers
Professor Cunningham and His Old School
Pepper and Fine Thyme
Nate Najar
Naples Jazz Society Jazz Band
La Lucha
Jon-Erik Kellso
John Allred
James Wall
James Suggs
Heather Thorn & Vivacity
Forrest & Andrea Phoenix
Ed Metz, Jr.
Don Mopsick
Davy Jones
Dave Bennett Quartet
Daniela Soledade
Bryan Hughes
Bakey and Betty
Al Downing All Stars


Event venue located at the

Festival General Information
or
(727) 248-9441

Facebook Event Page: Invite your friends!

SPONSOR RECOGNITION!
Amplify Clearwater ,  Radio St. Pete ,  Tampa Jazz Club , Al Downing Jazz Assoc., Arbors Records, Baxter Branded – Branding, Advertising and Digital Marketing, Web and Graphic Design, Creative Design , cccom.png, Central Park Performing Arts Center, City of Clearwater, Gulf Coast Banjo Society, Holiday Inn & Suites, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Jolley Trolley, Marriot Suites Sand Key, Palladium, Peace Memorial, Pinellas County, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Southview Arts, St. Petersburg - Clearwater, Suncoast Jazz Society, Tampa Bay Magazine, Tampa Bay Newspapers, WEDU PBS, WildflowerCafeMarketLogo.jpg, WMNF.

Sponsorship Opportunities
To arrange Presenting Sponsorships, contact Joan Dragon at jazzclassic@aol.com. For other Sponsorships, Gifts, or Donations contact our dedicated Sponsorship Representative at  suncoastjazzfestival@gmail.com. Sponsorships are welcome anytime. Sponsorships purchased after October 30th will be listed in our on-line festival program, but may not be listed on our printed materials. 

About Suncoast Jazz Festival
Suncoast Classic Jazz, Inc., a Florida Not-for-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation, is the proud owner of the Suncoast Jazz Festival. With a history spanning over 30 years, they have consistently hosted the annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, a dedicated celebration of jazz, widely recognized as the quintessential American art form. The festival offers a platform for both professional musicians hailing from various parts of the United States and Canada, and aspiring young musicians from the local community in Clearwater, FL, to showcase their musical talents before enthusiastic and highly appreciative audiences.

Thanks to the generous support of numerous individual sponsors and attendees, Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc. has been able to make substantial contributions to the community. These contributions take the form of financial aid provided to young musicians, bands, and local schools. The total amount of contributions over the years has reached nearly $100,000. Ongoing support remains crucial to ensure the longevity of the festival and its scholarship program. Everyone is encouraged to become part of the growing family of sponsors and dedicated fans, and in doing so, experience an amazing weekend filled with the melodies of jazz on Florida's Suncoast. Your involvement in this wonderful tradition is a meaningful contribution to the future of traditional jazz.

Suncoast Jazz Classic, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation is dedicated to preserving jazz (the only true American art form) through an annual festival and events throughout the year, providing opportunities for aspiring young musicians of our community to perform, and giving back to our community in the form of financial assistance to young musicians, bands and schools.


~  ~  ~ 
Distribution by
(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
If you wish to be included in our personalized 
subscriber list please use this FORM
Join us on INSTAGRAM!
See what we see on YOUTUBE!
And, of course, you can LIKE us on FACEBOOK!
(Maxed out at 5K on the personal page since 2016)
We link to business on LINKEDIN.
And, yes, PINTEREST, too!
~ ~ ~ ~
And, if you like what you see here, please 
HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!

Monday, November 11, 2024

Bill ‘Sauce Boss’ Wharton: Bringing the Heat to Gainesville’s Blues Scene at Top Hog BBQ, Bourbon & Blues at Oaks Mall


Cooking The Blues:
Served Up Nice 'n Hot!

Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 6-8p
Top Hog BBQ, Bourbon & Blues
at Oaks Mall
6419 W Newberry Road
Gainesville, FL 32605
(ONLY TWO MINUTES OFF I-75!)
WEBSITE  (352)663-1150
FACEBOOK EVENT - Invite your friends!

Catch a special bonus performance by the Bill "Sauce Boss" Wharton before he heads to Memphis to represent the North Central Florida Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge this January! Enjoy amazing BBQ paired with live blues for an unforgettable night. There’s no cover, but donations are encouraged.  Don’t miss this chance to support local blues and enjoy great food and music!

The Sauce Boss is a powerhouse entertainer, mixing his bluesy slide guitar and soulful voice into a high-energy show. His very own hot sauce goes into a big pot of gumbo while he spices up the show with his own Blues. He has served hundreds of thousands for free at his live shows. Sauce Boss mixes media like cornbread. Hot sauce, blues, chicken, funk, onions and okra, heartfelt songs, peppers and soul, seafood… and slide guitar, all go into the gumbo. The aroma fills the place. The crowd stirs up the pot. The Sauce Boss stirs up the crowd. It’s a soul-shouting picnic of Rock and Roll brotherhood, and at the end of the show, everyone eats.

Bill Wharton, (Sauce Boss), is the guy Jimmy Buffett sang about in his song "I Will Play for Gumbo." Wharton’s anthem, “Let the Big Dog Eat” is included on Buffett’s “Late Night Menu at the Margaritaville Cafe” album. Albert Castiglia released his cover of the tune, and it hit #1 on blues charts. "Let the Big Dog Eat" has also appeared in the movies, “Something Wild” (Jonathan Demme), and the Rock Doc, “Jimmy Carter Rock and Roll President.” This tune and sixteen other works in the documentary earned Wharton “‘Best Original Score” from the Los Angeles Film Awards.

Top Hog BBQ, Bourbon & Blues at Oaks Mall in Gainesville, FL serves up some of the best Southern barbecue in town, offering a lively, family-friendly setting perfect for enjoying great food and live music. Known for their mouthwatering pulled pork, smoked ribs, and Southern sides, Top Hog brings authentic flavors and a relaxed atmosphere together for a memorable dining experience. Located conveniently within Oaks Mall, this spot is a favorite for those looking to enjoy hearty BBQ in a welcoming space. Grab a seat, dig into the delicious flavors, and enjoy the music with friends and family at Top Hog BBQ



 
The North Central Florida Blues Society is a non-profit 
organization dedicated to the preservation, cultivation, nurturing 
and promotion of Blues Music. The  Society also hosts monthly 
electric and acoustic jams. See website for 
more information.   
Join today at: https://ncfblues.org

AREA VISITOR & LODGING INFO AT:
The BLUES has HISTORY in
GAINESVILLE!
20 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BEST BLUES 
IN THE WORLD TO GAINESVILLE FLORIDA!

2024
Doug MacLeod
EG Kight
Cash Box Kings
Kent Burnside

2023
Brandon Santini
Joey Gilmore
Bridget Kelly Band
Barbara Armbrecht
Lurrie Bell
The Blues Beatles
Mr. Sipp
John Primer
Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Chris Cain

2022
Biscuit Miller
JP Soars & The Red Hots
Early Times
Mick Kolassa
The Lucky Losers
Sheba the Mississippi Queen
The Nighthawks
&
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
Terry Hanck & His California Band

2021
Little Jake & the Soul Searchers
Mike Zito
Albert Castiglia
Bridget Kelly Band
Snacks Blues Band
Josh Miller Blues Review
Eric Gales
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
Pam Taylor & The Flyin' V's
21 Blue Featuring Longineu Parsons

2020
Pam Taylor & The Flyin' V's
Ruth Wyand & The Tribe of One
Doug MacLeod
Rev Shawn Amos

2019
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
Vanessa Collier
Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Bridget Kelly Band
George Worthmore
Jason Ricci
Shane Dwight
Damon Fowler
Tennessee Redemption
Patti Parks
Toronzo Cannon
Albert Castiglia
Roy Book Binder

2018
Birthday Blues Bash-O-Rama w/ Anthony Gomes, Danielle Nicole & Bridget Kelly Band
BLUEZAPALOOZA: Ghost Town Blues Band & Betty Fox Band & Bridget Kelly Band
Lauren Mitchell
Rev Shawn Amos
21 Blue featuring Longineu Parsons and Ted Shumate
Bill "Sauce Boss" Wharton
Doug MacLeod

2017
Zora Young
Norman Jackson Band
Selwyn Birchwood
Jason Ricci
Gracie Curran & The High Falutin’ Band
Albert Castiglia
 Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials

2016
Annika Chambers
Cash Box Kings
Doug MacLeod
Matt Schofield

2015
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
Long Tall Deb Feat. Colin John
Jeff Jensen
Samantha Fish
Terry Hanck
Zora Young
Tinsley Ellis

2014
Tas Cru
Selwyn Birchwood
Janiva Magness
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues
Joe Moss Band 

2013
Brandon Santini
Matt Schofield
Nikki Hill
Albert Castiglia

2012
Jimmy Thackery
John Nemeth
Roomful of Blues

2011
Kenny Neal
JP Soars
Victor Wainwright

2010
Tommy Castro
Mike Zito
Watermelon Slim
Nick Moss
John Nemeth
Ana Popovic

2009
Janiva Magness
Duke Robillard
Michael Burks

2008
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Magic Slim
Jimmy Thackery
Lurrie Bell
Mighty Lester
Tab Benoit
Nighthawks

2007
Chris Cain
Sean Costello
Sauce Boss
Bryan Lee
Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors

2006
Eddie Kirkland
Gary Primich
Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King
Debbie Davies

2005
Delta Moon
Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Pat Ramsey & the Blues Disciples
Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets

~ ~ ~ 

Promotional distribution by
Jazz & Blues Florida LLC

(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals

If you wish to be included in our FREE subscriber
list please use this FORM

Jazz & Blues Florida's fastest growing social media platform?
Join us on INSTAGRAM!
See what we see on YOUTUBE!
And, of course, you can LIKE us on FACEBOOK!
We link to business on LINKEDIN.
And, yes, PINTEREST, too!

~ ~ ~

The Next BIG Thing in Gainesville! The Gainesville Big Band Performs Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite December 8, 2024


Celebrate the Holiday Spirit
with JAZZ in a BIG Way!

SEASON SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES | 2pm
at
Meizon Church
3411 NW 83 St
Gainesville, FL 32606
(352)519-0839

Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 2p
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Celebrate the season with a big band flair!

The Nutcracker Suite is an album by the famous American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington recorded for Columbia Records in 1960 featuring jazz interpretations of the 1892 ballet "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
.

Upcoming Season Concerts:

Sunday, February 9, 2025 | 2p
Duke Ellington’s Black Brown and Beige

Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 2p
Jazz 101- What makes jazz swing?

Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 2p
Women in Jazz

ABOUT
The Gainesville Big Band assembles some of the best professional jazz musicians spanning the southeast. Under the direction of Marco Thomas, the GBB delivers a rich, full sound-- from Basie to Ellington, Gershwin to Miller, Porter to Mercer, Vegas to Broadway hits, and today's modern jazz and pop. Since 2007, the band has brought big band jazz to Gainesville and the surrounding areas.  Featuring 18 accomplished musicians, the Gainesville Big Band have a deep passion for jazz and a commitment to presenting quality performances, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians, and promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.

DIRECTOR
Marco Thomas is from Ellenwood, GA which a suburb of Atlanta. He is a bass trombone player that studied music education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. His principal teacher there was Brian Brink. Thomas earned his Bachelors of Music Education in 1999 and began teaching middle school band in Hardee County in January of 2000. He then entered the University of Florida in the summer of 2002 where he earned his Masters of Music Performance in trombone. His principal teacher there was Arthur Jennings. After graduation, he took a position at Hawthorne Middle/High School as Director of Bands. He was at Hawthorne from 2004-2007. He began his current position as the music teacher at Williams Elementary in Gainesville during the 2007-2008 school year.  

MISSION
The mission of the Gainesville Big Band, Inc. is to promote an awareness of the educational, spiritual, and civic benefits of jazz through traditional and modern repertoire. 

GAINESVILLE BIG BAND CONNECTIONS


Sponsorships include Meizon Church, 
Visit Gainesville / Alachua County, Hoggtowne Music, 
VyStar Credit Union and The Collier Companies. 

Sponsored in part by
Visit Gainesville Alachua County

#JazzBluesFlorida  #GainesvilleFL  #GainesvilleLive  #LiveMusicFlorida  #FloridaMusicScene  #JazzInGainesville   #LiveJazzFlorida #GainesvilleEvents  #GainesvilleBigBand  #MarcoThomas  #LiveMusic  #CommunityConcert   #SundayFunday  #BigBandJazz  #AirConditionedConcert  #MusicLovers


~  ~  ~ 
Distribution by
(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
If you wish to be included in our personalized 
subscriber list please use this FORM
Join us on INSTAGRAM!
See what we see on YOUTUBE!
And, of course, you can LIKE us on FACEBOOK!
(Maxed out at 5K on the personal page since 2016)
We link to business on LINKEDIN.
And, yes, PINTEREST, too!
~ ~ ~ ~

Friday, November 8, 2024

Pat Hunter in Concert at Fort Lauderdale’s Renowned Blue Jean Blues, November 13, 2024

PAT HUNTER
Putting her Soul in R&B and the Blues!

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 5-7p
Blue Jean Blues
3320 NE 33rd St
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33308
MAP WEBSITE

Pat Hunter is a powerhouse vocalist whose dynamic style has drawn comparisons to legends like Etta James, Shirley Bassey, and Tina Turner. Known for her versatility, Pat performs a wide range of genres, including blues, R&B, soul, funk, and jazz.

Pat’s career took off in 2004 with the support of the late bluesman Sam Taylor. Her debut album, Life Lessons, released in 2005, became a mainstay on over 200 radio stations across the U.S. and Europe. Her song "Ask Your Man" from the Life Lessons album gained renewed attention on Jomar Records’ National Women in Blues compilation. Pat's talent was recognized with multiple accolades, including “Best Blues Band” by Long Island Newsday in 2003-2004 and “Best Blues Band in NYC” by the New York Blues and Jazz Society in 2005. Representing NYC at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, she earned 11th place out of 113 bands worldwide. She has also opened for music icons like Ronnie Spector and Nancy Sinatra.

In addition to her live performances, Pat has lent her voice to various recording projects, including George Bouchard’s acclaimed jazz album Mellow Lane and Charlie Pickett’s See Ya in Miami, produced by R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. She has also recorded a single with singer-songwriter Pat McGuire.

Pat also has experience as a music and talent consultant for blues festivals, including the "Ladies Sing the Blues" festival in Long Beach, NY, and for the UK podcast Black on Blues with Kevin Black. She served as a vocal consultant for Italian blues artist Giorgio Pandini on his album Roses, Fools and Mud. With formal training under musical theater vocal coaches Ron Shelter and Steven Mackey, Pat Hunter continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike with her distinctive voice and talent.

Blue Jean Blues is a vibrant live music club and restaurant located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Known for its intimate, relaxed ambiance and top-notch acoustics, it’s a favorite destination for jazz and blues lovers seeking high-quality live performances. With a menu offering delicious food and a full bar, patrons can enjoy their favorite dishes and drinks while experiencing a rotating lineup of talented local and touring musicians. Blue Jean Blues consistently brings great music and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale’s live music scene.

CONNECT WITH PAT!

BOOKING INQUIRIES:





~  ~  ~ 

Distribution by
(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
If you wish to be included in our personalized 
subscriber list please use this FORM
Join us on INSTAGRAM!
See what we see on YOUTUBE!
And, of course, you can LIKE us on FACEBOOK!
(Maxed out at 5K on the personal page since 2016)
We link to business on LINKEDIN.
And, yes, PINTEREST, too!