James Suggs

FEBRUARY 9

At age 15, James Suggs started playing professionally with jazz groups in the Northeast Ohio area and occupied the first chair position in the Canton Youth Symphony. After touring internationally with The Continental Singers while still in high school, Suggs went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in music performance with a jazz emphasis from Youngstown State University in Ohio. While there, he performed in the University’s big bands and was featured on the CDs Biddle De Bop and Lester Left Town. He also performed in jazz combos, classical orchestras, salsa, and Latin jazz groups. Between 2000 and 2006, Suggs was contracted by Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, where he performed in jazz combos and orchestras. In 2005 he was hired as the trumpet soloist in the Glenn Miller Orchestra, touring the U.S. and recording their latest CD, Steppin’ Out. A year later he performed as the soloist with another legendary big band, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Starting in late 2005, Suggs spent eight years in Buenos Aires, Argentina, playing, teaching and touring the world with Argentine bands, notably Los Pericos. While there, he formed a Miles Davis tribute band and continues to perform with an American version of the quintet since returning to the U.S. He also has a strong affinity for the music of New Orleans, and pays his creative respects with a sextet that maintains the original format of those great bands, utilizing both a clarinet and a tuba. In 2018, Suggs received a Masters Degree in music – jazz performance from the University of South Florida, and released his You’re Gonna Hear from Me. More at b-and-s.com

FEBRUARY 18

BLUE TAVERN TALLAHASSEE

FEBRUARY 20

STOTTLEMYER’S SMOKEHOUSE SARASOTA

FEBRUARY 23

BOURBON ON MAIN NEW PORT RICHEY

FEBRUARY 24

BIG TOP BREWERS BRADENTON

FEBRUARY 26

CORTEZ CLAM FACTORY BRADENTON