For the last two years, July 19 has officially been Al Downing Day in St. Petersburg—and this summer, followers of the local legend once again come together to celebrate.
The annual Al Downing Honors awards show honors local jazz musicians who exhibited the greatest support for jazz music in the Tampa Bay area.
The 2026 event will be at the 170-seat basement Side Door Cabaret at St. Petersburg College’s Palladium Theater.
The ceremony will feature three awards: Jazz Educator of the Year, Jazz Supporter of the Year, and Jazz Musician of the Year.
Studio@620’s Art Director and filmmaker, Erica Sutherlin hosts and emcees the awards show. Vocalist Allison Nash will perform with multi-instrumentalist and composer Patrick Bettison on keyboard; bassist Alejandro Arenas of La Lucha; and drummer Mark Griffith, known for his work with Hot Tonic and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band.
A press release from the Downing Tampa Jazz Association says, “Together, these exceptional artists will create an evening of powerful music, deep emotion, and unforgettable performances.”
Al Downing Honors
Time Sun., July 19, 4-6 p.m. 2026
Location Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Alvin Joseph Downing died in 2000 and is best known for being the first Black Commissioner of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. Earlier in life he served as a Tuskegee Airman, later becoming a squadron commander and leader of the 613th Army Air Force Band, eventually retiring as Major.
After his military service Downing taught at St. Petersburg College and started the band “The All Stars’’.
Known as the “Ambassador of Jazz” by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, Downing gained the title through his substantial contribution of promoting jazz music for the Tampa Bay area with the “Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association.” The nonprofit provides resources for local jazz musicians as well as preservation for the genre.
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