At one time, it was a well-kept secret that the heart of St. Pete’s Edge District boasted some of the best jazz musicians around. But that’s no longer the case. Every Sunday afternoon, from 4-6pm, dozens of people crowd inside and out to witness something truly amazing. A trio, and sometimes a quartet, mesmerize all in attendance with their trumpets, bass guitars, keyboards and drums. For two solid hours, there’s no better jazz around, in St. Pete or otherwise. From classics to the occasional solo, it is a treat that any jazz lover would enjoy.
To cover the experience and depth of talent these musicians bring to the scene in the Edge District would require much more than a quick paragraph in a blog. But it’s safe to say each of the musicians have played with some of the industry’s greats over the years. James Suggs began professionally playing the trumpet at the age of 15 years and has toured internationally for many years. Sandi Grecco, who mostly performs on drums, is a multi-instrumentalist who hails from the jazz mecca of Chicago. And Mark Moultrup on keyboards boasts 11 appearances in the Detroit Jazz Festival as well as dozens of other premier events. That’s why having them in our own backyard is truly special.
Of course, on any given day, The Independent is an excellent way to spend your afternoon or evening. If you weren’t aware, The Independent was St. Pete’s original craft beer bar dating back to 2005. At that time, it was located on 3rd street in the heart of the entertainment district. They since have relocated to their current location at 1049 Central Ave in October of 2016 where they remain today. The vibe is a classic European style public house that embraces not only community but also diversity and creativity. Plus, The Independent offers an incredible selection of European-style beers, guest taps of craft beer, and an exquisitely curated wine list. For all of these reasons, it’s the perfect place to host the Sunday Jazz Project.
So if you didn’t know before, now you do. The Sunday Jazz Project at The Independent should be a must for your “Sunday Funday” bucket list. Grab some friends and a good attitude and head on down. But be sure to get their early. Not only will you not want to miss a minute of these talented jazz musicians, but you’ll also want to secure a good spot. I promise you won’t be sorry you checked out this St. Pete staple, but you might be if you don’t.