Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert Series set to kick off
Tickets are on sale for an inaugural concert series that will bring a mix of jazz artists to the islands.
Organized by the newly-created Sanibel Jazz Society and the Spatini Teabar, the Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert Series will take place on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout July at the venue on Sanibel.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to bring this level of music to Sanibel, especially after everything we’ve been through with Hurricane Ian,” Spatini Teabar owner and island native Amy Sbarra said.
A jazz singer herself for six years in Southwest Florida, she led a swing and jazz band, The Swingin’ Clique. Sbarra was also voted in the top 25 at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition.
Offering live music at her business, she was asked by one musician if she ever considered a series.
Sbarra explained that after some thought, she decided to organize the concert series.
“To bring some joy and some levity and some culture,” she said. “To make a difference, to touch people, to put some smiles on faces.”
The Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert Series will feature local jazz musicians and talent from other musical hotspots around the country, including New York, Philadelphia and Miami.
Sbarra explained that she established the Sanibel Jazz Society in order to produce and fund the series. The mission of the group is to promote the art of jazz and to support jazz musicians and students.
“To give jazz musicians a place where they really want to play,” she said.
Sbarra is working to set it up so donations will help Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) students.
“They will go toward bringing in jazz artists and donating to the jazz students at FGCU,” she said.
As for the Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert Series, the lineup is as follows:
– July 3: Danny Sinoff Trio with Ben Wolfe on bass and Aaron Kimmel on drums
Sinoff is a jazz pianist and vocalist with a 20-year tenure performing the Great American Songbook in clubs and concert halls throughout Southwest Florida, New York City, Philadelphia and Vegas. From New York City, Wolfe is a highly acclaimed jazz bassist and composer who has performed with Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall and Winton Marsalis. Also arriving from The Big Apple, Kimmel has played with Aaron Diehl, Cecile McLorin Salvant and Benny Green.
– July 10: Stuart Shelton Trio with Cameron Kayne on bass and Steve Silverstein on drums
Shelton has been a jazz pianist in Southwest Florida for over 20 years, and he has worked most venues that offer live jazz as their preferred format. A double bassist and bass guitarist, Kayne is a former member of The Airmen of Note, a jazz ensemble that forms part of The United States Air Force Band. Silverstein has played with the Matt Savage Trio and has performed in the United States and abroad.
– July 17: Benny Benack III Quartet
Hailing from New York City, Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist Benack has become a leading voice in jazz for his generation. He has been headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his critically acclaimed album “This is the Life.” Benack has toured with Postmodern Jukebox and he is currently fronting numerous projects with the Jazz @ Lincoln Center.
– July 24: SLG
Formerly known as Sudamerica Latin Groove, Naples-based SLG performs a fusion of Latin jazz, funk, rock, world music and more. Renowned for its energetic shows, it has played with national and international artists, as well as with orchestras and big bands and for schools and senior communities. The group has been a resident artist at ARTS Bonita and is a member of United Arts Collier.
– July 31: Dana Paul and David Pastorius with Shelton on piano and Tony Vigilante on drums
Coming in from Miami, Paul is an award-winning jazz vocalist. He won the Florida Music Awards and was voted the No. 1 male jazz vocalist in the state. Nephew of musician Jaco Pastorius, Pastorius is a composer and groove-forward bassist. He is known for high-energy performances and improvisations. Vigilante has backed up artists such as Della Reese, Billy Eckstine, Maureen McGovern and Perry Como, and he recorded with Buddy De Franco, the Al Raymond Orchestra and Brian Pastor Big Band.
Beer and wine will be available, along with charcuterie and Italian sandwiches.
“And bubble tea and bubble cookies,” Sbarra added.
Tickets are $45 per concert.
Event sponsors are Frances and Simon Tutt and Congress Jewelers, along with community supporters.
“I’m so grateful for their unconditional support and participation,” she said.
The community is welcome to come out and enjoy.
“It’s all about entertaining,” Sbarra said. “Give us the pleasure of putting a smile on your face.”
For tickets or more information, visit http://www.spatiniteabar.com/.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, call Sbarra at 239-699-8741.
The Spatini Teabar is at 1504 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.