32nd Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival Through March 10

Jazz legends Dick Hyman, Derek Smith, Warren Vaché, Allan Vaché, and others headline this renowned festival

The announces the 32^nd annual Sarasota Jazz Festival, through March 10.

This year's festival stars such jazz greats as Dick Hyman, Derek Smith, J B Scott's Swingin' Allstars, Bill Watrous with the 17-piece big band, Sarasota Jazz Project, and Warren and Allan Vaché Brothers Swinging Quintet.

"The 32^nd annual Sarasota Jazz Festival promises to be as dazzling as any in the past," says Dave Walrath, president of the Sarasota Jazz Club. "Our dedicated festival committee has lined up a swinging cast of celebrated artists and groups, including a [March 4] outdoor concert at Philippi Creek Estates, four evening concerts at , and our ever-popular Jazz Trolley, which takes jazz enthusiasts to various downtown venues to hear inspired jazz. We invite everyone to buy tickets early—they're already selling fast!"

The Sarasota Jazz Festival is sponsored, in part, by Sarasota County Tourist Development tax revenues. Concert tickets are available at The Players' box office: 941-365-2494, or online at www.theplayers.org. For group prices or more information about the 32nd annual Sarasota Jazz Festival, call 941-366-1552, or visit www.jazzclubsarasota.com.

The Festival at a Glance: 

Tuesday, March 6 — 7:30 p.m.

J.B. Scott's Swingin' Allstars

These high-level pros perform Chicago swing/New Orleans-style jazz in a spirited fashion. Led by the virtuoso trumpeter, J. B. Scott, the group features vocalist Lisa Kelly, banjo/guitarist Ken Calhoun, trombonist Dave Steinmeyer, clarinetist Jim Snyder, bassist Rick Ravelo, and drummer Eric Mason. $25 general admission; $20 club members; $5 students;  941-365-2494

Wednesday, March 7 — 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Jazz Caravan by Trolley

Enjoy inspired sips and sounds at several jazzy venues, including , , , , the and . $20 at the trolley; $15 if purchased through the Jazz Club at 941-366-1552

Thursday, March 8 — 7:30 p.m.

Bill Watrous with the Sarasota Jazz Project

Acclaimed jazz trombonist Bill Watrous is a nine-time winner of Downbeat magazine's Critics and Readers poll. He's played with the greats, including Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and Quincy Jones. The Sarasota Jazz Project is a 17-piece band dedicated to the preservation and performance of contemporary and traditional big band jazz music.

$40 general admission; $30 club members; $5 students; 941-365-2494

Friday, March 9 — 7:30 p.m.

Warren and Allan Vaché Brothers' Swinging Quintet

Swing with Allan Vaché on clarinet, Warren Vaché on trumpet, Jeff Phillips on piano, Charlie Silva on bass and Eddie Metz on drums. These great artists render popular, classical, Dixieland and Latin rhythms with their own cerebral and exciting approach. $40 general admission; $30 club members; $5 students; 941-365-2494

Saturday, March 10 — 7:30 p.m.

Piano legends Dick Hyman and Derek Smith

Legendary piano virtuosos who have done it all....all around the world! They will perform songs from the great musicals with the original film clips. Purchase tickets early! $45 general admission; $35 club members; $10 students; 941-365-2494