The Clearwater Jazz Foundation's Ultimate Summer Jazz Jam on Saturday, Aug. 15, has already filled every free seat, but a waitlist remains open for residents hoping to catch vocalist Belinda Womack, brass players Carl Fischer and James Suggs, and saxophonist Jeremy Carter at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo at 105 Central Park Dr., Largo. General inquiries: 727-461-5200.
The foundation confirmed on its event page that all stadium-seat reservations and reserved tables have been claimed. Residents who want to join the waitlist can email [email protected].
Doors open at 5:45 p.m. The main jam runs 6:30–9:30 p.m. in the venue's 443-seat Tonne Playhouse, while a community celebration featuring the foundation's CJH Young Lions student musicians and a silent auction fills the Parkview Room from 6–8 p.m.
The jam is part of the CJH Presents Music Series, which has provided stages to roughly 134 bands across 78 events at 11 venues since its launch. Proceeds support the nonprofit's year-round education programs, including the Young Lions Jazz Master Sessions, a History of Jazz school outreach initiative that reached more than 30,000 students as of 2020, and scholarships through the Pinellas Education Foundation.
Womack fronts the Tampa Bay band Kool Reflections. Carter and Suggs have shared stages across the region, according to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, which framed the evening as a 63-day countdown to the Clearwater Jazz Holiday's 47th year at Coachman Park, running Oct. 15–18. Headliners for that festival include Sheila E., Chris Botti, Larkin Poe, Wood Brothers and Dumpstaphunk.
The foundation's membership programs, including its High Note Society, offer priority access to future events while supporting music education across the Bay area, Creative Loafing noted.
Upcoming Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation dates:
- Saturday, Aug. 15 — Ultimate Summer Jazz Jam, Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo. Waitlist only. 5:45 p.m. doors.
- Oct. 15–18 — 47th Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Coachman Park, Clearwater.
