This week, the 14th-annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival makes its groovy return to the Burg. The six-day festival of sound spreads throughout the city, taking place at five different venues February 22-27 and filling St. Pete with smooth sounds and good vibes.

While the festival spreads throughout the entire week, the highlight of the musical celebration is the three-night concert series taking place Thursday-Saturday. A trio of headliners will perform in the showcases at The Palladium, the Museum of Fine Arts, and American Stage. Tickets for each show are $25, and there are a pair of free events, as well.

St. Petersburg Jazz Fest actually kicks off on Thursday with a free workshop for the musically curious among us. Celebrated jazz musician Alexis Cole, head of the Jazz Vocal program at SUNY Purchase College and William Paterson University, is hosting a free vocal jazz workshop at St. Petersburg College from 12-1:30 pm in HS 109. Then, on the back end of the festivities, Jazz Fest officially closes out with the Jazz Fest Post Party at Bayboro Brewing on Sunday the 27th featuring live music, great food and craft beer.

Headliner performance information can be found below. Tickets and more information on the 2023 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival are available here.

2023 St. Petersburg Jazz Fest lineup

Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra, Thursday, February 23, 7:30 PM at the Palladium Theater: “Called “one of the great voices of today,” Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. … The 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dr. David Manson. The big band has performed on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ybor Jazz Fest, WMNF Jazz Fest and has backed singers Kevin Mahogany, Alexis Cole, Kathy Rosins, Fred Johnson and many other guest vocalists.

Zach Bartholomew Trio – A Chick Corea Tribute, Friday, February 24, 7:30 PM at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts: “Join award-winning pianist Zachary Bartholomew and his trio (Paul Gavin, drums; Mauricio Rodriguez, bass) in the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival as they deliver a captivating concert remembering legendary jazz icon Chick Corea. … Chick Corea is known as one of jazz’s greatest pianists and composers, and this concert will feature his musical compositions spanning from the beginning to the end of his career. Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and music educator who maintains an active performance career.”

Jason Charos Sextet – Celebrating Wayne Shorter, Saturday, February 25, 7:30 PM at American Stage: “Jason Charos is a sought-after jazz trumpeter based in Miami. In 2019, he recorded in the trumpet section on Lynch’s GRAMMY Award-winning big band album Omni-American Book Club. In September 2022, Charos was awarded the Laurie Frink Career Grant. The Jason Charos Sextet is made up of musicians from the Tampa Bay and Miami areas. … Equally renowned for his compositions as for his saxophone playing, Wayne Shorter has contributed numerous compositions to the jazz canon while participating in some of the major changes in jazz music over the last 40 years, and has received nine Grammy Awards for his recordings.”