36th Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival Returns November 20-22
75+ Musicians - 3 Rolling Venues - Live Music All Day & Night
The 36th Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival will return to Clearwater, Florida November 20-22, 2026. The festival will be indoors at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.
Music fans will enjoy fantastic, live performances from talented artists from around the US and the world. These incredible performers serve up Big Easy-Flavored Early Jazz, American Songbook, Modern Acoustic Jazz, Swing, Brazilian, Blues, and even a touch of Rockabilly and Gospel.
“This is big fun and close-up jazz.”
Festival events include a VIP Gala dinner with live music, Friday Swing Dance party, student music contest, Parasol parade, and more. With a variety of jazz genres across three rolling venues with listening lounge, dancing, and sip and mingle experiences, the Suncoast Jazz Festival truly has something for everyone.
This year’s headliners are Grammy-award winning John Pizzarelli and Grammy-nominated clarinet master Anat Cohen.
Pizzarelli has been hailed for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” He is a charismatic storyteller not to be missed.
Cohen, has been named “Clarinetist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association every year since 2007 and top clarinetist in Downbeat magazine every year since 2011.
Also appearing for the first time this year is the gifted New York City-based pianist and singer Champian Fulton. An acclaimed recording artist, she has toured in over 25 countries and released more than 20 albums.
Once again, the festival will feature outstanding Florida-based musicians including James Suggs, La Lucha, Nate Najar, Daniela Soledade, James Wall, Heather Thorn, Theo Valentin, Simon Lasky, Allison Nash, the Al Downing Trio, and more.
To the delight of trad fans, Dan Levinson’s Palomar Jazz Band with Molly Ryan will also be performing.
RETURNING JAZZ FAVORITES
This year brings many returning favorites including Grammy-nominated Brazilian guitar wizard Diego Figueiredo and Chuck Redd, one of the best vibraphonist/drummers in jazz.
Also returning, the vibrant Dave Bennett, along with Professor Cunningham and his Old School. Tom Rigney and Flambeau are back with their unique blend of violin-based Cajun-inspired roots music.
SENSATIONAL YOUNG MUSICIANS TO HIT THE STAGE
This year the festival has two of the best high school jazz bands in the country performing. And if you think these young musicians are just kids – think again. These musical talents are some of this year's festival must-sees. Show up Friday – and come watch some of the best, young performers around.
Osceola County School for the Arts, Kissimmee Florida
One of the most ambitious and awarded fine arts programs in Florida, their Jazz Band A clinched the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition in NYC this spring with a jaw-dropping performance.
Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble
Tarpon Springs was one of the only 20 High School bands from around the world invited to compete at this year’s Essentially Ellington competition in NYC.
TICKETS
Tickets are now available. High school and college students with a valid ID can attend for free.
Hailed as “…outstanding in every respect,” by Frank Farenbloom of the Syncopated Times, the Suncoast Jazz Festival is not to be missed.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE - SUNCOASTJAZZFESTIVAL.COM
