James Suggs is a professional trumpet player who now resides in St. Petersburg, FL. He grew up in Pennsylvania, started playing at age 9 and playing professionally at 15 while living in Ohio. At age 16, Suggs toured the US, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland with The Continental Singers. In 1998 James attended Youngstown State University in Ohio where he received his Bachelor’s degree in jazz performance. At this time he began performing on cruise ships, 6 contracts to be exact. He also was the featured soloist while on tour with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra as well as recording with them. Later, he would also have the honor of playing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Suggs spent 8 years living and performing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While there, he toured with Argentinean bands in Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, England, Portugal and Spain. He has performed with such jazz greats as Kenny Burrell, Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Mintzer, Sean Jones, Kevin Mohagany and Chuck Mangione to name a few. James currently performs with various groups around the Tampa Bay area. He has his own jazz combos including a tribute to the great Louis Armstrong.

Central Florida Jazz Society Members: $15.00 Non-members: $20.00

Note: Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts members must pay for this event.