I was around for Ybor City’s first renaissance, in the 80s and 90s, when artists, writers and musicians reclaimed the Tampa historic district from decay. One of the highlights of that era was the opening of the Jazz Cellar in the basement of an old cigar factory that had been renovated into Ybor Square.
The place was as cool and sophisticated as any New York nightclub, with a curving bar done in vivid piano keys. I spent lots of nights there in the early 1990s catching jazz groups and singers I liked, but especially the house band – the Jazz Cellar Orchestra.
That renaissance faltered when the city made the misguided move to turn Ybor into a bad version of Bourbon Street. As Ybor bars battled for business with “three-for-one-drinks” the classy clubs fell by the wayside, including the Jazz Cellar.
But the band stayed alive and has backed jazz stars and played major festivals ever since.
And this Thursday, led by Jazz Cellar owner and bandleader, Dick Rumore, they are making their debut in the Palladium’s “cellar-like” Side Door. When we were growing the Side Door into a jazz and blues club, I relied on my memories of the Jazz Cellar to help create that right feel.
This Thursday you can catch this 11-piece, horn-driven big band doing a mix of powerhouse jazz that spans Sinatra to Snarky Puppy. Along with the horns, the band will feature the vocals of Bonnie Quintana.
For tickets and information, follow this link of call the Palladium box office at 727 822-3590. Showtime Thursday, Nov. 9, is 7:30 p.m.
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