The historic Manhattan Casino is a landmark in the “Deuces” of St. Petersburg located at the 22nd Street South Corridor. On Saturday, October 12 they will be holding a special event from 5 p.m.-midnight. The history and energy of the Manhattan Casino will return for an evening of jazz: 2019 St. Pete Jazz Celebration as part of the inaugural St. Pete Performs 2019.
JAZZ on the Deuces revives that history, honoring the likes of Al Downing, Buster Cooper and others that put St. Pete jazz on the map. JAZZ on the Deuces! is produced by the Ashwood Jazz Project, and they have assembled a remarkable roster musicians. Gwendolyn Reese, President of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg, will emcee the event, relating some of the colorful and rich history of the Casino and Deuces Corridor.
The Jazz on the Deuces event is produced by the Ashwood Jazz Project, Henry Ashwood, Jr. (a well-known sax player) who has assembled a remarkable roster musicians. Gwendolyn Reese (right), President of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg, will emcee the event, relating some of the colorful and rich history of the Casino and Deuces Corridor.
This Jazz at the Deuces line-up will include:
- 5 p.m. – Doors Open
- 5:30 p.m. – Introductions & stories with Gwendolyn Reese
- 6-7 p.m. – Fred Johnson with Michael Ross
- 7-8 p.m. – Shawn Brown Band
- 8-10 p.m. – Jeremy Carter Group: The Soul of Jazz
- 10-midnight – Pro Jazz Jam with: James Suggs, John Lamb, Michael Ross, Paul Gavin, Ben Winkler, Butch Thomas, Larry Camp and more.
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is the event’s fiscal sponsor. In-kind supporters of Jazz on the Deuces include: The Deuces Live, Manhattan Casino, Jack’s Kayaks, Duncan McClellan Gallery and WSPJ St. Pete Jazz. For tickets visit the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance website.
A portion of the proceeds support arts programs for youth: St. Petersburg Arts Alliance’s Funding Futures and DMG School Project. If you cannot attend this event but would like to make a donation to support Funding Futures or the DMG School Project, click here!
Feature image of Jazz on the Deuces Singer Fred Johnson and bassist Michael Ross Featured from 6-7 p.m.