Jazz in the Park brings 'people's music' into open air

The heat was strong at the Civic Green beside Sarasota Municipal Auditorium on March 17, not only when it came to the weather, but also because of the music. 

Kicking off the Sarasota Jazz Festival held from March 17-23 by Jazz Club of Sarasota, Jazz in the Park was intended to offer the public an opportunity to experience the tradition of the genre, said club president Nik Walker.

With open-air kickoff events having been previously held at Nathan Benderson Park, most recently in 2022, the tradition, a ticketed event, moved this year to downtown Sarasota.

“This is great,” he said. “It's central, on the water, and it fits us.”

Attendee and club member Markus Summers said he appreciates the jazz club’s mission of keeping the tradition of jazz going in Sarasota, and “keeping the dream alive for younger folks," and indeed, the performances that day helped to do just that. 

Initiating the event was Fourcast, a band consisting of students from the Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center. 

The roster also included the Pete Barnbregge Band and the Synia Carroll Quintet. 

“This is for everybody,” Walker said. “Jazz is people’s music, and this event is for everybody to attend and enjoy, and see acts like this one, because I’m serious about our commitment to the youth, because they’re the ones that are going to be out there playing for the next generation.”

Tim Eaton, jazz director at Booker High School, said the event was a unique opportunity for the students as well.

“I'm really gratified that the jazz club Sarasota has an opportunity for us to come out and allow these kids to be exposed to the Jazz Fest environment,” he said. “At Booker High School, we're looking for an opportunity to give these kids a chance to experience professional obligations, and a professional level of excellence.”