An exceptional new musical tradition is making its grand debut on the islands to bring culture, joy, and world-class performances to the local community. Organized by the newly established Sanibel Jazz Society in partnership with Spatini Teabar, the inaugural Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert Series will bring an array of elite jazz musicians to the island every Friday evening throughout July.
The weekly concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Spatini Teabar venue. For island native, business owner, and accomplished jazz singer Amy Sbarra, launching this series is a deeply personal milestone.
At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we understand that a vibrant arts and culture scene is essential to the island lifestyle. Beyond preserving our natural sanctuaries, events like this bring neighbors together and prove that Sanibel’s community spirit is stronger and more resilient than ever.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to bring this level of music to Sanibel, especially after everything we’ve been through with Hurricane Ian. [The goal is] to bring some joy and some levity and some culture… To make a difference, to touch people, to put some smiles on faces.” — Amy Sbarra, Spatini Teabar Owner & Jazz Vocalist
Music for a Mission: Supporting the Next Generation
Sbarra, who was voted among the top 25 at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition and previously led Southwest Florida’s The Swingin’ Clique, founded the Sanibel Jazz Society specifically to fund and produce this showcase. The society’s long-term mission is to promote the art of jazz while providing a premier stage that musicians genuinely want to play.
SANIBEL JAZZ SOCIETY FUNDING TRIAD
[ PRODUCING THE SERIES ] ──► Funding elite live performances throughout the summer.
[ ARTIST INCENTIVES ] ──► Creating an island venue that musicians love to play.
[ STUDENT DONATIONS ] ──► Directing proceeds to benefit jazz students at FGCU.
To expand the impact of the series, Sbarra is coordinating the event framework so that donations generated by the society will directly benefit Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) jazz students alongside bringing in future headlining talent.
The Star-Studded July Performance Lineup
The concert series balances celebrated regional talent with premier musicians traveling in from major musical hubs like New York City, Philadelphia, and Miami.
July 3: Danny Sinoff Trio (with Ben Wolfe & Aaron Kimmel)
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Danny Sinoff: A masterful jazz pianist and vocalist with a 20-year history of performing the Great American Songbook across Southwest Florida, New York, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas.
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Ben Wolfe: A highly acclaimed NYC jazz bassist and composer who has performed with legends like Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, and Wynton Marsalis.
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Aaron Kimmel: A premier Big Apple drummer who has shared stages with Aaron Diehl, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Benny Green.
July 10: Stuart Shelton Trio (with Cameron Kayne & Steve Silverstein)
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Stuart Shelton: A cornerstone of the Southwest Florida jazz scene for over 20 years, Shelton is renowned for his work across the region’s top live jazz rooms.
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Cameron Kayne: A talented double bassist and bass guitarist who formally played with the elite U.S. Air Force Band ensemble, The Airmen of Note.
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Steve Silverstein: An international performer who has toured globally and performed with the Matt Savage Trio.
July 17: Benny Benack III Quartet
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An Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist hailing from New York City, Benack has emerged as a definitive voice for his generation of jazz. Headlining global festivals on the heels of his album “This is the Life,” he has toured with Postmodern Jukebox and frequently fronts major projects with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
July 24: SLG (Formerly Sudamerica Latin Groove)
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A Naples-based powerhouse ensemble known for their highly energetic live sets. SLG blends an infectious fusion of Latin jazz, funk, rock, and world music. They have served as resident artists at ARTS Bonita and are active members of United Arts Collier.
July 31: Dana Paul & David Pastorius (with Shelton & Tony Vigilante)
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Dana Paul: An award-winning Miami vocalist voted the No. 1 male jazz vocalist in the state of Florida.
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David Pastorius: A groove-forward composer and dynamic bassist, continuing a rich musical legacy as the nephew of the iconic Jaco Pastorius.
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Tony Vigilante: A veteran drummer who has backed stars like Della Reese, Billy Eckstine, Maureen McGovern, and Perry Como.
Menu Offerings and Ticket Information
To complement the world-class soundtracks, attendees can purchase an assortment of upscale refreshments throughout the night. The menu features a selection of beer and wine, alongside artisanal charcuterie boards, traditional Italian sandwiches, refreshing bubble tea, and bubble cookies.
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Admission Cost: Tickets are $45 per concert.
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How to Purchase: Secure your seats online by visiting the Official Spatini Teabar Portal.
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Sponsorship Packages: Corporate sponsorships are still available. Businesses interested in backing this cultural initiative can connect directly with Amy Sbarra at 239-699-8741.
This inaugural series is proudly backed by community supporters and primary event sponsors Frances and Simon Tutt, alongside Congress Jewelers. Gather your friends, secure your tickets early, and let the Sanibel Jazz Society put a well-deserved smile on your face this summer!
