He’s fighting pancreatic cancer, so the local music community, especially jazz-oriented players, have come together to throw a benefit. Acts on the bill, which runs from 3 p.m.-6 p.m., are: New Groove City, which features world-class percussionist Gumbi Ortiz and Luis Alicea, both of whom have toured with fusion guitarist Al Di Meola; the Dave Reinhardt Trio, with guitarist LaRue Nickelson and bassist Tim George; and the funky, Latin-y, hard-to-categorize Acme Jazz Garage, of which Close is a member.
Close has also performed with Larry Coryell, Brian Bromberg, Kenny Drew Jr., Richard Elliot and others. Two members of AJG—guitarist Matt Swenson and bassist Philip Booth—put together the benefit, with help from the Tampa Jazz Club and other people, organizations and stores.
This article appears in May 19-25, 2022.