TICKETS
Premium General Admission: $40 (general admission in the rows closest to the stage).
General Admission: $25 in advance, $30 day of show.
Students: $10 general admission.
Children 12 and under: Free.
Doors open at 1:00pm for seating.
Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Alvin Joseph Downing (1916-2000), beloved treasure of St. Petersburg. Meet special guests, members of the Downing family who will be sharing this day with us for a memorable concert to honor the founder of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association. An influential jazz musician and teacher, Mr. Downing made significant contributions to the jazz community in St. Petersburg and was renowned globally as the leader of The AllStars Band for several decades. He became the first African American Commissioner of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority as well as the first African American to play in the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. He served his country as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and his life mission continues today with educating youth in the community about jazz.
FEATURING
Dwayne White, Trumpet
Andy Foertsch, Trombone
Theo Valentin, Vocals
Ron Gregg, Drums
Richard ‘STretch’ Bruyn, Piano
Erik Hempel, Bass
Vincent Sims, Guitar
ABOUT THE AL DOWNING TAMPA BAY JAZZ ASSOCIATION
The start of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association can be traced to the joint efforts of Al Downing and Ernie Calhoun, renowned saxophonist and humanitarian who still resides in Tampa, Florida. Its beginnings were in 1981 and emerged from two jazz organizations in 1989. Today it provides jazz opportunities for enthusiasts throughout the Tampa Bay area.
The primary focus of the association is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of jazz. The ADTBJA also presents live jazz performances, works with youths who are interested in learning to explore and perform jazz, informs the public about jazz clinics, festivals, performances, events and club scenes, and provides scholarships to students who plan to further their jazz studies.
Al Downing
Presented by Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and the Palladium.
