by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
Tampa Bay Music News hit the waterfront Friday and Saturday for the 47th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, and what a ride it was. From Latin jazz legends and funk royalty to New Orleans grooves and Southern rock swagger, Coachman Park transformed into a nonstop celebration of world-class musicianship and pure feel-good energy.
Before the main-stage fireworks began, festivalgoers packed the plaza to catch the always-electric Ronnie Dee and the Superstars. With an infectious mix of original tunes and jazz-funk favorites, Ronnie and company delivered the perfect kickoff soundtrack. The crowd quickly locked into the band’s upbeat vibe, transforming the plaza into one giant block party. If you’ve never caught Ronnie Dee live, do yourself a favor and change that immediately.
ARTURO SANDOVAL OPENS WITH A JAZZ MASTERCLASS
Friday’s main-stage lineup was stacked, led by jazz giant Arturo Sandoval and percussion icon Sheila E., setting the tone for a night fueled by Latin rhythms and high-octane musicianship.
At nearly 80 years old, Sandoval remains an absolute force of nature.
From the first note, the Cuban-born trumpet virtuoso reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest jazz musicians alive. Blazing high notes? Check. Lightning-fast improvisation? Check. Effortless charisma? Plenty of that, too.
Sandoval’s set was a dazzling blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, bebop brilliance, and old-school showmanship. Whether behind a trumpet, piano, or percussion setup, he commanded the stage with the confidence of a performer who has spent decades at the top of his craft. More than once, he challenged the crowd to get on their feet and dance, and they happily obliged. It was technical perfection wrapped in joy, flair, and unmistakable passion.
SHEILA E. BRINGS THE PARTY
If Sandoval delivered the jazz fireworks, Sheila E. supplied the explosion.
Taking the stage alongside The E-Train at 9 p.m., the Grammy-winning percussion legend instantly shifted the energy into another gear. Best known for her iconic work with Prince and her smash hit The Glamorous Life, Sheila proved she’s lost absolutely none of the power, charisma, or rhythmic magic that made her famous.
Her set was a groove-packed journey through funk, pop, R&B, Latin rhythms, and infectious dance-floor energy. Every song felt like an invitation to move.
She was backed by a stellar ensemble that included guitarist Mychael Gabriel, whose sharp attack and dazzling technique evoked memories of Prince himself. Veteran vocalist Lynn Mabry, formerly of Parliament-Funkadelic, added powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence.
And then came one of the night’s most memorable moments. Stepping away from the drums, Sheila paused to speak directly to the audience. She encouraged everyone to find someone they didn’t know, look them in the eyes, and tell them they loved them. What could have felt awkward instead became genuinely moving. Thousands of strangers shared smiles, hugs, and a reminder of music’s unique ability to unite people. It was a beautiful moment that perfectly embodied the spirit of Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
RAIN COULDN’T STOP SATURDAY’S “BLUES & BRASS” PARTY
Heavy daytime rains threatened Saturday’s festivities, but by showtime the clouds cleared and the crowds poured in. A little mud wasn’t about to stop Clearwater Jazz Holiday fans. Saturday’s”Blues & Brass” theme brought together two powerhouse acts: New Orleans funk favorites Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Grammy-winning Southern rock duo Larkin Poe.
Before that, the Plaza Stage got things rolling with St. Petersburg trumpet ace Carl Fischer and the Sunshine City Brass. Fischer, a former member of Billy Joel’s band, led a spirited set of horn-driven favorites that transformed downtown Clearwater into a mini Mardi Gras celebration.
BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION DELIVERS NEW ORLEANS HEAT
At 7 p.m., New Orleans arrived in Clearwater. Led by trombonist and vocalist Big Sam Williams, Big Sam’s Funky Nation detonated onto the stage with a thunderous mix of funk, soul, jazz, rock, and rhythm & blues. Williams cuts quite a figure. Built like a linebacker but armed with the warmth and charm of an old friend, he owns every inch of the stage. One moment he’s blasting powerful trombone lines, the next he’s dancing through the crowd, turning complete strangers into dance partners.
The band’s sound was pure New Orleans: thick bass grooves, punchy percussion, blazing horns, and nonstop energy. While the musicianship was exceptional, the focus never shifted away from the party. Every song felt like a celebration. Big Sam also demonstrated a knack for balancing tight arrangements with spontaneous jam moments, allowing the music room to breathe while maintaining an irresistible groove. By the end of the set, Clearwater felt just a little bit closer to Bourbon Street.
LARKIN POE BRINGS SOUTHERN ROCK MUSCLE
When Larkin Poe took the stage, they wasted no time proving why they’re one of the hottest acts in modern roots music. The Grammy-winning Lovell sisters delivered a scorching set packed with Southern rock grit, blues soul, and powerhouse musicianship.
Opening with”Nowhere Fast,” Rebecca and Megan Lovell immediately locked into a chemistry that few sibling acts can match. Rebecca’s gritty vocals and commanding guitar work paired perfectly with Megan’s spectacular slide guitar, creating a sound that’s equal parts blues, rock, gospel, and Southern swagger. Tracks such as”Summertime Sunset,””Jessica,” and”Kick the Blues” showcased their ability to blend catchy hooks with authentic blues foundations. Meanwhile, standout performances of”Bluephoria,””If God Is a Woman,” and”Blue Ridge Mountains” highlighted the duo’s impressive range, moving effortlessly between hard-driving rockers and more introspective roots material.
Megan’s slide guitar work was particularly mesmerizing, cutting through the mix with fierce precision while honoring blues traditions without feeling tied to them. Just as impressive were the sisters’ vocal harmonies. At times angelic, at times haunting, their voices drifted above the music with an almost spiritual quality. Moments later they’d snap back into driving riffs that had the audience dancing and cheering in equal measure. Rather than treating their influences like museum pieces, Larkin Poe reshapes blues, bluegrass, gospel, and Southern rock into something fresh, modern, and unmistakably their own.
As a festival closer, they were exactly what the moment required: powerful, authentic, and impossible to ignore. Another Unforgettable Weekend on the Waterfront Over two unforgettable nights, Clearwater Jazz Holiday once again demonstrated why it remains one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved cultural traditions. From Arturo Sandoval’s breathtaking jazz mastery and Sheila E.’s unstoppable groove machine to Big Sam’s New Orleans funk explosion and Larkin Poe’s Southern rock firestorm, every performance delivered something special. The 47th edition of Clearwater Jazz Holiday wasn’t just a success.
It was a reminder that great live music still has the power to inspire, unite, and bring a community together under the stars. And for one incredible weekend on Clearwater’s waterfront, that’s exactly what happened. You can be certain that Tampa Bay Music News will be in attendance for the 48th Clearwater Jazz Holiday, to hear the amazing artistry in a perfect outdoor waterside setting.
