A Variety of Artists Express Their Enthusiasm for the
Festival’s Evolving and Eclectic Line Up

As autumn begins its inevitable turn toward winter, the chance
to enjoy a combination of jazz and sunshine becomes even more tempting. From
November 22 through 25, the Suncoast Jazz Festival, which takes place on the
travel-award-winning Clearwater Beach, will provide both in ample amounts. This
year marks the 29^th anniversary of the Festival, which continues to
expand its offerings from traditional jazz to include Brazilian music, swing,
big band, zydeco, Cajun and some rockabilly.

Among the musicians who have been added to the roster is
headliner Jason Marsalis and the 21^st Century Trad Band. Marsalis
had this to say, “I’m looking forward to playing at the Suncoast Jazz Festival
as a leader for the first time. My new group, BGQ Exploration, hopes the
fun that we have exploring Benny Goodman’s quartet will translate to the
audience.”  

Tom Rigney and Flambeau, whose blend of Cajun and zydeco has
made significant inroads on the Roots music scene, have performed at the
festival numerous times in the past. Rigney has watched festival rosters evolve
over the years. “Many festivals are now quite different than they were a decade
ago. While Traditional Jazz–Dixieland, Swing, Ragtime–still makes up a
significant portion of what is presented, you now might hear Cajun, Zydeco,
Rockabilly, Blues, R and B, Django Reinhart-style string swing, Western Swing,
and other styles,” he states. “All of it falls under the broad spectrum of
American roots music, whether it’s Jazz or Blues or Cajun or old- time rock and
roll.”

Also appearing for the first time is Brazilian vocalist
Daniela Soledade, whose recently released debut album continues to earn
accolades from press and receive widespread airplay on radio. A Clearwater resident,
Soledade says, “The Suncoast Jazz Festival is mostly known for more traditional
styles of jazz, so it is a great honor to be the first Brazilian artist to
participate in this long running event.  I cannot wait to bring the Bossa
Nova back to the beach!” Says Nate Najar, the producer of Soledade’s album, who
is based in Largo and has been involved with the festival for several years. “It
has been very exciting to watch the Suncoast Jazz Festival evolve from
this wonderful event celebrating the more traditional side of jazz to embracing
the present and future of jazz while never losing sight of the past.  It
is so exciting to walk the halls of the hotel and, for 3 days, all day and into
the late night, hear such a wide variety of world class artists in so many
different venues simultaneously.  It is such a vibrant scene!”

Award winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Adrian
Cunningham, who will mark his third year at the festival, says, “Suncoast Jazz
Festival knows how to do it right! The festival presents a tantalizing array of
the highest quality jazz all rooted in the classic jazz tradition. And on Clearwater
beach? You can’t find a better setting!!”

Other nationally celebrated artists performing at this
year’s festival include Wycliffe Gordon, Harry Allen and Tommy Cecil, joining a
host of fan favorites and newcomers performing at five venues over the
festival’s three days.

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