MUSIC SCENE Al Downing Tampa Bay Honors w/Alison Nash 7/19 @PalladiumI

In this episode of Music Scene, host Nanette Wiser catches up with Dwayne White who hosts the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Monday Night Jazz Jam at The Hangar. Don't miss the Al Downing Honors ft. Allison Nash this Sunday July 19 4:00 pm at the Side Door Cabaret
Doors at 3pm | Show at 4pm.
https://mypalladium.org/events/al-downing-honors-ft-allison-nash-hosted-by-erica-sutherlin/
**Presented by Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and the Palladium at SPC.
**Al Downing Honors Presents A Celebration of the Life, Legacy, and Impact of Alvin Joseph Downing
**The 2026 Al Downing Honors, featuring jazz vocalist Allison Nash, hosted and emceed by Dr. Mendee Ligon, 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.
NEWS UPDATE The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association (ADTBJA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Al Downing Honors, recognizing four extraordinary individuals whose achievements have enriched the Tampa Bay jazz community through performance, education, advocacy, and a lifetime of artistic excellence.
Presented annually to celebrate Al Downing Day, the awards celebrate the enduring legacy of Alvin Joseph "Al" Downing (1916–2000)—2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame inductee, Tuskegee Airman, legendary educator, and internationally respected jazz ambassador whose influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and audiences.
The awards will be presented at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Palladium Theater's Side Door Cabaret in St. Petersburg. Tickets are available at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/events.
2026 Al Downing Honors Recipients
Jazz Musician of the Year
Kenny Walker
A gifted bassist, composer, educator, and mentor, Kenny Walker has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's jazz community for decades. Beginning his professional career with the legendary Al Downing AllStars, Walker has performed with many of the region's finest artists while continually expanding his creative voice as a composer and electronic musician. Through his New Groove City Music Complex, he provided an invaluable rehearsal and recording home for countless local musicians, making a lasting impact both on and off the stage.
Jazz Educator of the Year
Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas has devoted more than twenty years to inspiring young musicians through excellence in music education. A graduate of Florida A&M University and former lead trumpeter with the university's renowned jazz program, Thomas has built an exceptional career as an educator and band director in Pinellas County. His numerous honors—including 2025 Pinellas County Center for the Arts Teacher of the Year and 2026 Zeta Phi Beta Distinguished Education Award—reflect his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.
Jazz Supporter of the Year
Warren Buchholz
Warren Buchholz has become one of Tampa Bay's strongest advocates for jazz through his innovative work in media, digital storytelling, and community engagement. As Jazz Manager at WUSF, he records local artists, curates events, develops multimedia content, and helps connect audiences with the region's thriving jazz scene. His dedication to promoting local musicians has significantly expanded the visibility and appreciation of jazz throughout the community.
Al Downing Legacy Award
John Lamb
The Al Downing Legacy Award honors bassist John Lamb for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in jazz. A former member of the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lamb's remarkable career began after serving as a musician in the United States Air Force and evolved into performances on some of the world's most prestigious stages. After settling in St. Petersburg, he became a respected educator at local public schools and St. Petersburg College, mentoring generations of musicians—including acclaimed bassist Alphonso Johnson—and leaving an enduring legacy that embodies the spirit of Al Downing himself.

**About The Palladium
Whether in the main concert hall, Hough Hall with its unsurpassed new sound system, or kicking back in the intimate Side Door Cabaret, the historic Palladium Theater is consistently ranked as one of Tampa Bay’s best, most affordable venues for classical, jazz, blues, theatre, opera, comedy, dance, educational, literary, community events, and more. The Palladium, located in downtown St. Petersburg’s cultural center, is part of what makes Tampa Bay great.

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