The Warehouse Arts District is a hub of cultural and community activity, and this fall, the neighborhood is more than living up to its name as St. Pete’s premier arts destination. The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) has been hosting a pair of concert and film series at the ArtsXchange Theater over the last two months, bringing incredible shows to the city’s newest event venue.

This Friday evening, December 1, is the grand finale of the fantastic run of shows and performances, as they welcome the Helios Jazz Orchestra feat. Fred Johnson, for an unforgettable concert experience. Tickets are available now, and activities begin at 6 pm.

The evening of events is co-hosted by WADA, EMIT, Arts Axis, and WUSF Jazz in their “Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse” concert series. As part of the experience weaving together music and politics, there will also be a star-studded panel addressing food insecurity, with a specific focus on the many food deserts in the South St. Pete Community.

The roundtable discussion will be featuring influential community leaders and advocates for addressing food insecurity in South St. Pete and beyond. Participants include Moderator Shaina Bent, COO at the Free Clinic; Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Senior Pastor; Dr. Yvonne Williams, Associate Provost, SPC; Caitlyn Peacock, ED of Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger; Lisa Pineda, President- Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition; Wendy Wesley, Nutritionist & Dietitian; and Erica Hardison, Florida Food Policy Council Board Member, Board President for One Community Grocery Co-op.

Following the discussion, a concert will showcase a talented ensemble of musicians from Helios Jazz Orchestra featuring local jazz singer Fred Johnson. Currently serving as a community engagement specialist and artist-in-residence at the Straz, his creative projects continue to inspire.

The 2-part event will take place at Tully Levine Gallery and the ArtsXchange Outdoor Theater, located at 515 22nd Street South, on Friday, December 1st, from 6-9 pm. Tickets are $15 and available here.

Discover a vibrant world of cinematic experiences at the Fall Film Series

At the fall Film Series, guests will be immersed in diverse programming that celebrates arts and culture, promising an enriching and unforgettable journey. The captivating season of films will ignite the imagination and foster a sense of community through the magic of storytelling. Plus: free popcorn for WADA Members. Here are the shows:

• Oct 14 – “Between Sea and Land” (2016): In a Colombian fishing village, Alberto’s poignant journey, hindered by a confining ailment, leads him to discover freedom through friendships, dreams of the sea, and the film’s portrayal of Hispanic community resilience, unity, and heritage, making it a poignant tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month. Followed by a Q&A with Screenwriter, Actor, and Director Manolo Cruz.
• Oct 21- “An American in Paris” (1951): “An American in Paris” is a captivating musical where Jerry, an aspiring artist, explores the enchanting streets of Paris, entwining romance, art, and movement in a dynamic symphony of dance and emotion.
• Oct 28- “Fear of Rain” (2021) (Halloween + Costume Contest): “Fear of Rain” immerses viewers in a suspenseful psychological journey as Rain, grappling with schizophrenia, navigates an eerie mystery against the backdrop of St. Petersburg, delivering a Halloween-season experience that blurs the line between the supernatural and the complexities of the human mind.
• Nov 4- “The Candidate” (1972): “The Candidate” starring Robert Redford as charismatic Bill McKay, offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the inner workings and moral dilemmas of election campaigns, skillfully blending sharp wit and insightful commentary within a classic political satire.

“Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse” is a groundbreaking concert series

Presented in collaboration with WUSF Public Media, Emit, and the Latin Jazz Festival, the music series will be held on the first Friday of each month at the ArtsXchange outdoor theater. This innovative series unites the captivating concerts of jazz music with thought-provoking conversations on political and social issues happening in our community. Here’s the lineup:

• October 6 – Gilberto Garcia & The Latin Knights co-presented by EMIT Latin Jazz Festival preceded by a roundtable discussion on immigration issues.
• November 3 – “Instrument of Hope” keeping the conversation about gun violence prevention on the main stage.
• December 1 – Helios Jazz Orchestra feat. Fred Johnson co-presented by EMIT Latin Jazz Festival preceded by a roundtable discussion on food insecurity and South St. Pete “food deserts.”

Get tickets and learn more about the Fall Film Series, Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse, and other events in the Warehouse Arts District by visiting warehouseartsdistrict.org.