Fall Jazz Season, Tampa Bay area: Larry Coryell, Marcus Roberts, Federico Britos/Jorge Garcia, Statesmen of Jazz are Highlights

Jazz, of the non-smooth variety, sadly gets short shrift at the major performing arts centers in the Tampa Bay area. Yes, again. Need evidence? Check out those venues' fall schedules:

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa: No major, nationally known jazz artists, although a cabaret/jazz show titled "Last Call for Jazz: The Vocal Stylings of Emilia Sargent" is set for Oct. 9 at the Shimberg Playhouse, and Patel Conservatory students play a "Fall Jazz Jam" on Dec. 18 in the Teco Theater.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater: No major, nationally known jazz artists, although Tampa jazz singer Denise Moore and her Then Some band play the venue's Murray Studio Theater on Oct. 9. From the department of bland, prefab smooth jazz: The Rippingtons (Oct. 6), saxophonist Dave Koz (Dec. 3), pianist Jim Brickman (Dec. 10).

Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg: No major, nationally known jazz artists, although several shows by locals are on tap: Sarasota singer Shelly Torman (Sept. 25); the Latin Roots Ensemble (Oct. 9); and the Manhattan Casino All-Stars/Jordan Richardson Jazz Septet (Nov. 13).
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