Jazz and blues highlight Palladium’s Hammond B3 Summer Spectacular

The venerable Hammond B3 is a musical instrument claimed equally by blues, rock and jazz musicians. The wonder of the B3 is that it has its own distinct sound when used in each genre. 

Up in Pinellas Park we’re blessed to have perhaps the world’s top Hammond B3 provider, Keyboard Specialties. When Eric Clapton wanted a B3, he called Paul Homb, the longtime owner of Keyboard Specialties. Their instruments – perfectly maintained and serviced – are in demand for concerts and music festivals around the country. 

This year we’re partnering with Keyboard Specialties, along with the Suncoast Blues Society and the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, to present four great shows featuring the Hammond B3. All shows are at 8 p.m. and prices vary, so check our website. 

Here’s a listing of the shows: 

Fri, July 9    –   Kickin’ the Blues with Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves at the Side Door Cabaret. The show features Dean Germain on the B3, plus an all-star band. Sandy is recording a live album that night. 

Sat, July 10    The Battle of The B3s – Blues vs. Jazz. The show features the Organic Trio, a great Sarasota-based jazz band with strong r&b influences and The Voodoo Trio, featuring Lee Pons on the B3.

 Fri, July 23 – B3 Jazz Master Stan Hunter and his Trio. Stan has toured the U.S. and Europe with some of the great names in jazz and has highlighted our Battle of the B3s shows the past two years.  

 Sat, Aug 21  – Hammond B3 Showdown, N’awlins Style. Direct from New Orleans the Palladium presents the Joe Krown Trio, featuring keyboard master Joe Krown on piano and B3, plus Walter “Wolfman” Washington, on guitar, and Russell Batiste, on drums. Joining them on a second B3 are “Papa” John Gros, of Papa Grows Funk and Dave McCracken of Donna The Buffalo.  Showtime, 8 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit www.mypalladium.org.