LIMITED AVAILABILITY, TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED!

Each year, up to five of the most talented high school jazz musicians take the stage, competing for this prestigious scholarship that supports their musical education. Many past winners have achieved remarkable success, including GRAMMY wins, platinum records, and Billboard-charting hits. This FREE event invites the community to witness the future of jazz and celebrate its rising stars.

Finalists will perform two classic jazz standards, accompanied by the award-winning house rhythm section, La Lucha. A distinguished panel of judges, composed of jazz professionals and educators, will evaluate each contestant based on their technical proficiency, improvisational skill, and overall performance.

2025 Finalists

• Jordan Bostick – Trumpet, PCCA @ Gibbs High School
• Roberto Farinas – Saxophone, Sickles High School
• Matthew Howard – Saxophone, Tarpon Springs High School
• Maddox Struckhoff – Bass, Seminole High School
• Nasuree Van Gelder – Guitar, PCCA @ Gibbs High School

Beyond a competition, this event is a testament to the legacy of jazz and its continued evolution. We invite all jazz enthusiasts, students, educators, and music lovers to attend, support, and encourage these young musicians as they carry forward the tradition of America’s great musical heritage.

The acclaimed La Lucha—a festival favorite and one of Tampa Bay’s most dynamic jazz ensembles—returns to provide their signature blend of technical brilliance and electrifying stage presence. Their unparalleled chemistry and genre-defying style make them the perfect house rhythm section for our finalists, elevating each performance with their world-class musicianship and infectious energy.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate live jazz, witness incredible young talent, and honor the legacy of Al Downing. Join us for an evening filled with exceptional performances and the spirit of jazz in its purest form!

Event begins at 3pm; doors open at 2:30pm.