One of the world’s most legendary – and trailblazing – musical acts is returning to St. Pete for the first time in 63 years. Hosted by the Warehouse Arts District Association, The Count Basie Orchestra is putting on a special Black History Month performance at the St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus’ Music Center on Monday, February 24 at 7:30 pm.
In addition to the historic concert, the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) is hosting an incredible civil rights panel as part of their Black History Month events. Titled “Count Basie’s Soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement,” the panel will feature deep and often heavy conversations about where the civil rights movement began as well as the remaining work still to be done.
Count Basie’s history is intrinsically intertwined with the Civil Rights Era, as he was a leading voice in the movement thanks to his popularity as a musician and performer. The six-person panel features local cultural leaders, as well as musicians with decades of experience not only with the Count Basie Orchestra, but in the world of jazz across the globe.
Admittance to the panel discussion is free with a concert ticket. Learn more here, and see the full list of panelists below.
World-famous orchestra returns to St. Pete
The 18-time Grammy Award-winning Count Basie Orchestra has been entertaining audiences for more than 90 years, and its namesake, Count Basie, was famously the first African-American artist to win a Grammy back in 1958. The world-famous jazz and swing group was a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement and has remained a pop culture icon for decades.
The concert is being put on by the Warehouse Arts District Association, a leading voice and organization in St. Pete’s ever-growing, world-class arts community. The concert featuring The Count Basie Orchestra will be one the region’s premier Black History Month events, with a full day of activities leading up to the highly-anticipated concert (full schedule below).
Count Basie lit up Manhattan Casino decades ago
It’s a full circle moment for both the orchestra and St. Pete alike. “Count Basie and his internationally famous orchestra” performed at the Historic Manhattan Casino in St. Pete back in 1948 and 1962, right at the height of their early fame.
“Count Basie’s return to St. Petersburg after 63 years is a historic moment for our city. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection of art and social progress, a theme we’ll explore during the panel discussion,” said Markus Gottschlich, Executive Director of WADA.
Count Basie Orchestra’s manager Dee Askew expressed delight at the group’s historic return to St. Pete: “As Manager and CEO of The Count Basie Orchestra, I cannot express how exciting it is for me to get to St. Petersburg for the first time in this role! To know that Count Basie and His Orchestra performed here 63 years ago, and to know that it was during the height of the civil rights movement when Black people marched and fought; mostly non-violently, including Mr. Basie, to end legalized racial segregation and discrimination means so much to all of us. We are proud of Mr. and Mrs. Basie’s roles in the civil rights movement, and the Count Basie Orchestra’s return to St. Petersburg after such a long absence is a momentous occasion for which we are extremely excited! Thank you, WADA, for this honor!”
While the evening concert is the headliner, there will be a full day of events as part of Count Basie’s return to St. Pete.
- Free Community Workshop – 2 pm: Aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop with the Count Basie Orchestra. Sponsored by EMIT
- Panel Discussion – 6 pm: Join a thought-provoking conversation on “Count Basie’s Soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement.” Panelists will discuss the Orchestra’s role in the Chitlin’ Circuit, performances across the Deep South, and the broader cultural significance of Basie’s music during a pivotal time in history. Free with ticket purchase.
- Concert Performance – 7:30 pm: The Count Basie Orchestra will take the stage.
Tickets to see The Count Basie Orchestra are on sale now, and we recommend securing yours soon, as this high profile concert is likely to sell out. WADA member tickets are $20, Advance GA tickets are $25, or $35 at the door if available.
WADA acknowledges the sponsors of the event, Star Trolley, Cambria- Madeira Beach, EMIT and SPC College Gibbs/Campus.
How to attend
- What: Count Basie Concert and events
- When: Monday, February 24, 2-8:30 pm
- Where: St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus’ Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N
- Attendance: Community Workshop is open to the public. Tickets allow access to afternoon panel and evening concert.
- Tickets: Available online here.
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