Tampa, Fla. – The third annual Uptown Music Festival will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the University Area Community Park, 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa, FL 33613, to support University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation).
The family-friendly Uptown Music Festival, presented by the Uptown Entertainment Group, LLC, was created to bring the Uptown District together to highlight the rich culture of the area through music, and to raise money for the many important programs of the University Area CDC.
This year’s exciting lineup includes:
- Pieces of a Dream – Keyboardist James Lloyd and Drummer Curtis Harmon have been making top-charting contemporary jazz and R&B music together for over 47 years. First discovered by Grover Washington, Jr. when they were in high school. James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon have been the nucleus of Pieces of a Dream since its inception. Lloyd and Harmon played together as kids and members of the Ada Lewis Middle School jazz ensemble, along with former member, bassist Cedric Napoleon. The trio, along with others, blend their jazz roots with R&B, soul and funk. The band established its place in the world of contemporary jazz with the CDs: Pieces of a Dream, We Are One and Imagine This. Those albums include some of their biggest early hits, including Warm Weather, Mount Airy Groove and Fo Fi Fo. Their innovation and eclecticism keeps Pieces of a Dream fresh and authentic in a jazz world that is ever changing.
- JJ Sansaverino – With multiple Billboard-charting singles, including a Billboard #1 smash hit with Style and Elegance, and four highly acclaimed albums, New York guitarist Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, Sansaverino has a take no prisoners performance attitude, gracing stages on his own or with reggae legend Maxi Priest, and bringing his vibe of Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Reggae. A Berklee School of Music graduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with Maceo Parker, Victor Bailey, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Shaggy, Ricky Lawson, Sean Paul, Rick Braun, the Marley Family. A highlight was performing at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding in 2002.
- Kyle Schroeder – Schroeder is a 25-year-old saxophonist based in the Tampa Bay area. With a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone/Music Business from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, he has been a compelling force in contemporary jazz since his start in 2013. Schroeder has performed with world-class musicians, including Ben Tankard, Four80East, Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, BK Jackson, Two Friends, The Ries Brothers, Dave Liebman, John Daversa, Adam Hawley, Carl Fischer, Nathan Mitchell, Allon Sams and more. He has also had the opportunity to play large-scale music festivals, including Clearwater Jazz Holiday Sunset Music Festival, Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Miami Smooth Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival.
- B. Thompson – Bryan Thompson (known as B. Thompson) is a 25-year-old Pop / RNB Instrumentalist from Indianapolis, Indiana. At age nine, Thompson became a child prodigy, mastering multiple instruments despite hearing loss in his right ear. Child prodigy turned internet sensation, Thompson’s covers of popular records have garnered social media views totaling over 100 million views. Thompson released his debut single “Irresistible” in 2019, followed by his highly anticipated EP “Isolated Sessions” in 2020. He recently released his long-awaited debut CD “P.O.V.” Thompson has recorded with John P Kee, Kim Burrell, T.I & Rick Ross, Shanice & Michelé. Most notably, Thompson joined Babyface’s 2023 touring band.
- Tim George – Music Director George was raised in Manhattan, KS, where he began playing age six and was always drawn to the sound of the bass. Some of the artists that he has performed with include Ray Charles, Bobby Caldwell, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Lorber, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Kim Waters, Mindi Abair, Nick Colionne, Euge Groove, Paul Taylor and Peter White.
In addition to an evening of top-rated music, the festival will provide an opportunity for local artists to display and sell their artwork. Another highlight will be the family-friendly Kid Zone featuring University Area CDC’s Prodigy® Moves, arts and crafts and other activities. Food and beverage vendors, food trucks and additional merchandise vendors will also be on site.
Limited VIP table seating and reserved open seating will be available, along with general admission lawn seating. Audience members purchasing general admission-lawn seating tickets are encouraged to bring outdoor chairs and blankets. Children 12 and under admitted free in General Admission with a paid adult admission. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uptownmusicfestival.com. More information about the festival, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and vendor submissions, is available online, and by calling 813-842-1365.
University Area CDC, celebrating 24 years of serving the community, offers support for thousands of Tampa residents through youth programs, adult education, and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. For more information about University Area CDC, visit www.UACDC.org or call 813.558.5212.