The 2026 Al Downing Honors, featuring jazz vocalist Allison Nash, hosted and emceed by Erica Sutherlin, pays tribute to individuals who have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Jazz in the Tampa Bay area. By proclamation in 2023, the City of St. Petersburg Arts, Culture, and Tourism acknowledge, celebrate, and recognize July 19th as Al Downing Day of St. Petersburg.

Alvin J Downing (1916-2000), 2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame Inductee, Jazz Music Icon, Tuskegee Airman, Professor of Music at Gibbs High School and St. Petersburg College, and known as the Ambassador of Jazz by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.

Nominate an honoree here!