The first annual Latin Jazz Fest is coming to St. Petersburg’s Palladium Theater on July 9-11. It’s presented by a godfather of Tampa Bay jazz, Dr. David Manson and his nonprofit EMIT—the same people responsible for the long-running St. Petersburg Jazz Fest.
The festival kicks off Friday with MJR Latin Project & Friends (the MJR being Cuban bassist, composer, and producer Mauricio J. Rodriguez). Some of those friends include tresero player Renesito Avich (the instrument is similar to the acoustic guitar but with a different construction and string arrangement) and trumpeter Richie Viruet who’s performed with Tito Puentes, Eddi Palmieri and Marc Anthony.
Saturday night continues with a Tampa Bay favorite Gumbi Ortiz & New Groove City. Guitarist Tabajara Belo and O Som Do Jazz wrap things up on Sunday night (Belo performs solo first then he is joined by the Brazilian jazz group for the second set).
All shows start at 7:30 p.m and you’ll need a separate $25 ticket for each night. For more information, go to emitseries.org.
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