Welcome

EMIT series 2023-24

For the past twenty-nine years, over 500 events involving new music, jazz, world music, interactive electronics, improvisation and interdisciplinary art forms that incorporate sound have been featured in the EMIT series.  EMIT (a registered nonprofit arts organization) brings adventurous music and educational activities to the Tampa Bay area.  EMIT is presenter of the annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, Recording Arts Program with Boys & Girls Club students at the Royal Theater in Midtown, EMIT Latin Jazz Fest and supporter of the 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra.

If you enjoy adventurous music and wish to be on our email list, please sign up and we will keep you informed of events!

best,

David Manson, Director
 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Ronnie Dee & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 PM
presented by EMIT


5th generation vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Dee is a consummate entertainer who puts his body, heart and soul into every performance. As leader of several Tampa Bay bands, he plays all genres of music but has a special love for the music of Frank Sinatra and his pals in the Rat Pack. This concert features several selections from the legendary recording Sinatra at the Sands as well as other Rat Pack, blues and jump songs.
In its 15th season, the 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, and Ybor Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!
Tickets will be available starting 1/20, see www.mypalladium.org

 

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival - April 2 - 6
Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Side Door
“We’ve been waiting for the next great singer to come along, and finally…Alexis” –Swing Journal Japan

Called “one of the great voices of today,” Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk award and was a winner of the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions, and a finalist of the Sarah Vaughan Competition. She records for Motéma Music, NY, Chesky Records, NY and Venus Records, Japan. Her eleven recordings, which feature musical luminaries such as Fred Hersch, Eric Alexander, Matt Wilson, Harry Pickens, Don Braden and Pat LaBarbara, have received high praise in the jazz press and are spun on radio world-wide. In addition to her many performances at top jazz venues like Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and Billboard Live, she’s also performed at Avery Fisher Hall and the Kennedy Center and had been a featured soloist with the Boston Pops and NY Philharmonic.

The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. David Manson, has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, and Ybor Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!

Mauricio Rodriguez & the MJR Latin Project
Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30 PM
Palladium Side Door
This performance will mix original work composed by Mauricio J. Rodriguez with a mixture of the new Cuban contemporary music and some Latin jazz staples. Bassist, composer, producer, and educator, Mauricio J Rodriguez is one of the finest musicians of his generation in Cuba. He was member of Fervet Opus jazz quartet, one of the most important Latin jazz bands in Cuba in the 80’s, touring around the world to many festivals and concert including The Havana Latin Jazz Festival, Jamboree, Bratislava, Spain, and Moscow, among others. He now teaches at Saint Leo University. Joining this performance will be Zachary Bornheimer- saxophone, Pablo Arencibia - piano, Andy Forner- drums, Mauricio Rodriguez- bass.

Markus Gottschlich Trio
Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 PM
Music Center at St. Petersburg College

His compositional skills and his dazzling pianism give full rein to his expressive spirit, as heard on his latest recording, Found Sounds”Musically Speaking.

Embark on a highly entertaining evening with the Markus Gottschlich Trio, led by the internationally acclaimed pianist hailing from Vienna, Austria. Described by Albuquerque Magazine as "a lyrical, high-energy, and risk-taking artist," Markus Gottschlich, a distinguished Steinway Artist, infuses his performances with melodically remarkable ideas, as applauded by The Standard, Austria.

Making a St. Petersburg Jazz Festival debut, the Trio unveils premieres alongside selections from the albums "Found Sounds" and "Of Places Between." With a global presence on festival stages from Europe to the US to Asia, Markus Gottschlich’s Trio promises an evening of jazz that transcends borders, showcasing a distinctive artistry that resonates across continents.

O Som Do Jazz with Rafael Pereira & Jose Valentino Ruiz
Friday, April 5 at 7:30 PM
Warehouse Arts District

O Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing samba-jazz, Bossa Nova, Balanço, Baião and MPB. O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of Brazilian music. With 4 CDs and original music placed on BBC, Fox and HBO, O Som Do Jazz is a Florida favorite with performances on the Miami International Jazz Fest, DTO Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Mod Miami, Pensacola Jazz Fest and more. Special guest Rafael Pereira's (percussion). performing resume includes the Grammys, SNL, Janelle Monae, Prince, India Arie, Bruno Mars, Zee Avi, Russel Gunn, and many more. Jose Valentino Ruiz is an EMMY Award Winner, a multi-GRAMMY Award Nominated artist-producer-engineer, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and professor at the University of Florida.

Hot Club SRQ
Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 PM
Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement

Hot Club SRQ plays Gypsy Jazz that is deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance! The quartet emulates the style of what the French call "Jazz Manouche" and "Le Jazz Hot" in the style of Sinti virtuosos and the "Quintette du Hot Club de France." The heart of this ensemble is the violin and vocals of Keven Aland, the guitar of Jon McLaughlin, bass playing of Glenn Stevenson and world renowned Brazilian valve trombonist François de Lima. Their string jazz ensemble has been thoughtfully cultivated and crafted for over a decade. There is a genuine warmth and connection that is unique to this ensemble. This group can swing ferociously then suddenly hypnotize you with a beautiful ballad.

 

David Manson
Director
St. Petersburg Jazz Festival
mansond@spcollege.edu









 
Past events:

Fred Johnson & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Friday,  December 1
Warehouse Arts District

Join us for "Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse," a groundbreaking concert series presented by EMIT, the Warehouse Arts District and Arts Axis. This concert unites the captivating sound of jazz music with thought-provoking conversations on social issues. Singer Fred Johnson joins the 17-member Helios Jazz Orchestra (directed by David Manson) in a concert of great jazz music. Fred Johnson is a renown jazz singer, but his contribution to the Bay area culture cuts a far broader swath than that. Over the years, he’s been and remains an educator, mentor, social justice activist, peace advocate, arts advocate, healer and community organizer, not to mention an all-around gentleman. The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson and has performed on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ybor Jazz Fest, WMNF Jazz Fest and St. Petersburg Jazz Festival. The program features jazz favorites including “Pennies From Heaven", "Every Day I Have the Blues", "Almost Like Being in Love" and others.

November 3 - Instrument of Hope
Warehouse Arts District

The Warehouse Arts District Association, in collaboration with the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, EMIT, Arts Axis, 7C Music, and WUSF Jazz are excited to announce the "Instrument
of Hope" concert and round table discussion on November 3rd. The Instrument of Hope is a trumpet crafted using components from bullet casings, created as a response to the
tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. Since its inception, this remarkable trumpet has journeyed across the United States with the purpose of fostering healing and encouraging dialogue on the prevention of gun violence. Composer and Arranger Kim Scharnberg has collected testimonials from former students and survivors. Scharnberg will facilitate a roundtable discussion before the concert. The discussion will feature prominent figures such as State Representative Lindsay Cross, Council Member Brother John Muhammad as well as other influential community leaders. The concert will showcase a talented ensemble of musicians from Tampa Bay, brought together by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and featuring singer Belinda Womack.
 
Jamie Perlow & Helios Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, October 24 - at 7:30 PM
at the Palladium Side Door

Jamie Perlow joins the 17-piece Helios Jazz Orchestra as guest singer in a special program of big band favorites. Jamie is an extraordinary area singer and songwriter with radio and television credits. Her expressive style, full voice and flawless intonation set her apart. Selections include “I Love Being Here With You", “Orange Colored Sky,” “Too Close for Comfort” and many more! The Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson, and is comprised of some of the finest jazz musicians in the area.

EMIT Latin Jazz Fest!

October 5 - José Valentino & Eternal Power
at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College
7:30 PM, $15 advance tickets on Evenbrite, $20 at the door

Experience the brilliance of multi-Latin GRAMMY®, 15-time Global Music®, and Emmy® Award Winner, José Valentino & Eternal Power featuring Robert Acevedo Jr. at the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest on October 5th, 2023 at the Music Center at St. Petersburg College. Celebrate the release of their 20th album "Eternal Power" with world-premiere performances, showcasing futuristic Latin jazz artistry. Artists include José Valentino (flute & saxophone), Robert Acevedo Jr. (percussion), Elias Tona (bass), Jesse Pitts (drums) and Bruno Miranda (piano). Presented by EMIT, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, WADA, ArtsXchange, SPC, Arts Axis & WUSF-FM. The Music Center at St. Petersburg College is located 6605 5th Ave. North in St. Petersburg.

October 6 - Gilberto Garcia & The Latin Knights
at the ArtsXchange Stage in the Warehouse Arts District
7:30 PM, $15 advance tickets on Eventbrite, $20 at the door

Gilberto Garcia & The Latin Knights are featured on the 2nd concert of the Latin Jazz Fest on Friday, October 6 at the new ArtsXchange Stage in the Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg.
Founded in 1997 by percussionist Gilberto Nino Garcia, The Latin Jazz Knights Band have made a reputation for themselves as one of the leading Latin jazz bands in Tampa Bay. With appearances at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and The Amelia Island Jazz Festival, The Latin Jazz Knights have wowed listeners with their soulful mix of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The Latin Jazz Knights deliver a world class experience for dancers and audiences. This concert is presented by EMIT, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, WADA, Arts Axis & WUSF. The ArtsXchange Stage is located at 515 22nd St South in St. Petersburg.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. 

 
October 7- Dimas Sanchez and the Afro Latin Jazz Project 
at the ArtsXchange Stage in the Warehouse Arts District
7:30 PM, $15 advance tickets on Eventbrite, $20 at the door
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kpa6T15bps
Dimas Sanchez and The Afro Latin Jazz Project will perform Jazz, influenced by the sounds of Afro Puerto Rican, Afro Cuban and Afro Brazilian music with the rhythms from The Congo executed by the master percussionist Thobos Lubamba. As a performer Dimas has a vast experience with Afro Caribbean Rhythms and with Jazz. Thobos Lubamba is an internationally recognized master percussionist specializing in Congolese music. Personnel: Mariano Morales - Piano, Mauricio Rodriguez - Bass, Jorge Malave - Saxophone, Jochy Rodriguez - Trumpet, Dimas Sanchez - Drums, Percussion, Ito Colon – Percussion, Thobos Lubamba - African percussion. Presented by EMIT, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, WADA, ArtsXchange, SPC, Arts Axis & WUSF-FM. The ArtsXchange Stage is located at 515 22nd St South in St. Petersburg.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the show. 
 
October 24 - Jamie Perlow & Helios Jazz Orchestra
at the Palladium Side Door
7:30 PM, $30 general admission
Jamie Perlow joins the 17-piece Helios Jazz Orchestra as guest singer in a special program of big band favorites. Perlow is an extraordinary area singer and songwriter with radio and television credits. Her expressive style, full voice and flawless intonation set her apart. Selections include “I Love Being Here With You", “Orange Colored Sky,” “Too Close for Comfort” and many more! The Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson, and is comprised of some of the finest jazz musicians in the area. 

 

EMIT EDUCATION

Ongoing Recording Arts Program (RAP) with Boys & Girls Club students at the Royal Theater

Through the support of the Pinellas Community Foundation, RAP is a educational collaboration with EMIT, the Boys & Girls Club and the MIRA program at St. Petersburg College.  Pro Tools is the industry standard for professional recording. 

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