The man is living, breathing, saxophone-playing history. Sam Rivers, 84, is often called jazz's "high-octane octegenarian." He's lived in Orlando for several years, where he's maintained a busy performing and recording schedule, but he rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leading light on the New York "loft scene," an artist-driven movement that focused on the avant-garde. The list of musicians that Rivers has performed and recorded with is too exhaustive to reproduce here, but it includes Charlie Parker, Miles Davis (Sam was one of the trumpeter's pre-Wayne Shorter saxophonists), Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Archie Shepp. Despite his lofty CV, Rivers has been incredibly generous to younger, less-known musicians. For this show, Rivers will perform with his quartet, which includes drummer Rion Smith, bassist Doug Mathews and multi-instrumentalist Chris Charles (vibes, sax and more). Note: This show was originally slated for the Palladium in St. Pete; the venue has been changed.
Sam Rivers Quartet w/The Infinite Groove Orchestra, 8 p.m. Fri., March 28, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, $15. For ticket info, call 727-893-1070. emitseries.org.
