
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with original jazz performances and playlists featuring talented musicians of Hispanic and Latin origin with their unique artistry.

Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sandujazz is an ensemble devoted to the sounds of the African, Caribbean, and Latin American idiosyncrasies. Since 2019, the group has released its first trilogy of albums blending Jazz Fusion and Salsa styles with psychedelic influences. They are now a prominent part of the jazz scene in Tampa led by the new generations.

Julián Pernett Castilla’s pronounced natural talents in music, specifically in Afro-Latin percussion instruments are the result of his valuable cultural heritage from the Colombian Caribbean Coast. These abilities have always provided him with an abundance of musical gifts to share with the world. He is a passionate instrumentalist, concert pianist, and educator. Trained in the Western European musical tradition and the discipline of Improvisation in the Jazz style, Julián possesses a rich skillset that has opened a door to freely explore musical thoughts. With all sonic options at hand, including beyond the realms of piano performance, he makes each creation a truly personal expression through music.

Bela Souza is a seasoned singer living in St. Pete, FL. She has been performing in the Tampa Bay area since 2011. Bela studied Musical Theatre at the University of Tampa, which led her to pursue a career in music and vocal coaching. Her sultry, soulful sound and Brazilian roots have influenced her love for singing jazz and Bossa Nova. Bela will be releasing a jazz EP early next year. Follow her on Instagram at @belassings to stay updated.

Singer, composer, and creator Ona K envelops you in a mist of beauty. Once you enter, you won’t want to escape. With the sensuality of her voice, the elegance of her compositions and arrangements, her powerful aesthetics, and the strong community of musicians she has created around her music, she moves the listener’s soul in a way that they will always remember.

La Lucha is a Tampa Bay based trio that consists of three best friends from three different parts of the world: Colombia (Alejandro Arenas), Mexico (John O’Leary), & United States (Mark Feinman). Their music ventures boldly into a wide variety of musical styles, offering an appealing and fun mix of genres under the jazz umbrella. The combination of their musical versatility and varied musical influences makes for compelling virtuosic performances. Through an engaging stage presence and high level of interaction, La Lucha brings the audience into their world.
Set List:
1. Por La Tarde (Arenas)
2. Blues for Houston Person (Arenas/Feinman/O'Leary)
3. Feel Like Makin' Love (McDaniels)
4. Otra Vez (Feinman)
Personnel:
John O’Leary - piano
Mark Feinman - drums
Alejandro Arenas - bass
Warren Buchholz - camera/editing
Jackson Harpe - audio
Chandler Balkcom - camera

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, this group features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing samba-jazz, Bossa Nova, Balanço, Baião and MPB. O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of Brazilian music. With 3 CDs and original music placed on BBC, Fox and HBO, O Som Do Jazz is a Florida favorite with performances on the Miami International Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Mod Miami, Pensacola Jazz Fest and more. Learn more about the ensemble at osomdojazz.com