Of all the trumpeters in all the world, none have made quite the lasting impact as seminal New Orleans jazz musician Louis Armstrong. The Florida Orchestra pays homage to the artist formerly known as Satchmo during its first Raymond James Pops of the season, The One and Only Louis Armstrong. Charismatic soloist Byron Stripling – also the star of Satchmo: America’s Musical Legend and a one-time performer with the Count Basie Orchestra [pictured right] – joins TFO and featured performer Dave Mancini (drums) in a program that includes hits ranging from “Sweet Georgia Brown” to “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” with guest conductor Jeff Tyzik leading them through it. Fri., Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa; Sat., Jan. 8, 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg; and Sun., Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $20-$67 ($10 students). Call 727-892-3337 or visit floridaorchestra.org for more info.
