Dave Brubeck, designated a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, was one of the most active and popular musicians in both the jazz and classical worlds. With a career that spanned over six decades, his experiments in odd time signatures, improvised counterpoint, polyrhythm and polytonality remain hallmarks of innovation.

Join Justin Varnes and special guest Noel Freidline as they bring the seminal Brubeck album "Time Out" to life!

John, Paul, George and Ringo. No last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative and influential. In less than ten years they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way as to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. The Noel Freidline Quartet presents an evening of masterful reimagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well known songs.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today.

Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG!

Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

Mere words can only capture the refrain of MARIA HOWELL's awesome talent. She is the ballad of beauty and elegance. The melodies flowing from the petite vocalist are truly amazing. While casting a spellbinding smile, she mesmerizes her captive audience with incredible harmonies and rhythms.

Best known for her role as the choir soloist in the 1985 Oscar-nominated film The Color Purple, Maria Howell is the perfect combination of artistry and entertainment.

AS AN ACTOR, she has appeared in hit TV shows such as Lifetime's, “Army Wives”, and Marc Cherry's, "Devious Maids". Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams' apocalyptic, “Revolution”, and “Aquarius", starring X-Files' David Duchuvny, both on NBC, and “Criminal Minds”, alongside Joe Mantegna. Theatrical credits include, “The Blind Side”, “Addicted”, starring Sharon Leal and Boris Kodjoe, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, as Seeder, and "Christmas Wedding Baby”, by Award-Winning Writer/Director Kiara C. Jones. She also stars in Writer/Director, Shea Sizemore's "The Next Day." In addition, she recurs in Bounce TV's, "Saints & Sinners" as Lt. Hawkins, and as Ms. Sumner is the Oscar nominated film, “Hidden Figures”.

A SONG STYLIST in her own right, Maria has shared the musical stage with such legendary artists as Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Ray Charles and Earl Klugh, and Ronnie Laws. After a very successful 6 year stint in Asia, Maria relocated back to the U.S. and performed at Sambuca Jazz Café for 9 consecutive years. She and pianist Bill Wilson (son of legendary jazz pianist Teddy Wilson), held the distinction of being the longest running act at the Atlanta, GA location.

As of 2017, Maria hosts her live Hollywood music series called #DUETS, featuring “songs to soothe your soul.” Maria is not only a song stylist and actor, but a very devoted supporter of her charity of choice, Students Without Mothers, where she has served as a board member for over 8 years.

As the leader of the Noel Freidline Quintet for the last 26 years, Freidline has recorded 8 CDs, performed at jazz festivals as diverse as the Jacksonville (FL) Jazz Festival to the Bethlehem (PA) Musikfest to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, served as artistic director for the Columbia Museum of Art jazz concert series, Jazz on Main, launched a new jazz concert series in Jacksonville, FL called Jazz with Noel Freidline and Friends, held down a three-year house band position at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and performed for actress Julia Roberts’ surprise 35th birthday party.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today.

Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG!

Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

Mere words can only capture the refrain of MARIA HOWELL's awesome talent. She is the ballad of beauty and elegance. The melodies flowing from the petite vocalist are truly amazing. While casting a spellbinding smile, she mesmerizes her captive audience with incredible harmonies and rhythms.

Best known for her role as the choir soloist in the 1985 Oscar-nominated film The Color Purple, Maria Howell is the perfect combination of artistry and entertainment.

AS AN ACTOR, she has appeared in hit TV shows such as Lifetime's, “Army Wives”, and Marc Cherry's, "Devious Maids". Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams' apocalyptic, “Revolution”, and “Aquarius", starring X-Files' David Duchuvny, both on NBC, and “Criminal Minds”, alongside Joe Mantegna. Theatrical credits include, “The Blind Side”, “Addicted”, starring Sharon Leal and Boris Kodjoe, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, as Seeder, and "Christmas Wedding Baby”, by Award-Winning Writer/Director Kiara C. Jones. She also stars in Writer/Director, Shea Sizemore's "The Next Day." In addition, she recurs in Bounce TV's, "Saints & Sinners" as Lt. Hawkins, and as Ms. Sumner is the Oscar nominated film, “Hidden Figures”.

A SONG STYLIST in her own right, Maria has shared the musical stage with such legendary artists as Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Ray Charles and Earl Klugh, and Ronnie Laws. After a very successful 6 year stint in Asia, Maria relocated back to the U.S. and performed at Sambuca Jazz Café for 9 consecutive years. She and pianist Bill Wilson (son of legendary jazz pianist Teddy Wilson), held the distinction of being the longest running act at the Atlanta, GA location.

As of 2017, Maria hosts her live Hollywood music series called #DUETS, featuring “songs to soothe your soul.” Maria is not only a song stylist and actor, but a very devoted supporter of her charity of choice, Students Without Mothers, where she has served as a board member for over 8 years.

As the leader of the Noel Freidline Quintet for the last 26 years, Freidline has recorded 8 CDs, performed at jazz festivals as diverse as the Jacksonville (FL) Jazz Festival to the Bethlehem (PA) Musikfest to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, served as artistic director for the Columbia Museum of Art jazz concert series, Jazz on Main, launched a new jazz concert series in Jacksonville, FL called Jazz with Noel Freidline and Friends, held down a three-year house band position at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and performed for actress Julia Roberts’ surprise 35th birthday party.

John, Paul, George and Ringo. No last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative and influential. In less than ten years they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way as to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. The Noel Freidline Quartet presents an evening of masterful reimagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well known songs.

Scan the audience of a Ray Charles concert and one would have seen an almost perfect cross-section of American culture, Charles’ fans representing every age, race, and ideology. Combining gospel music with secular lyrics, Ray Charles became the father of soul music. With a signature sound, Ray Charles music is undeniably universal. He definitely put the “soul” in soul music! “Georgia On My Mind” “What I Say” “I Can’t Stop Loving You” “I’ve Got a Woman” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG! Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today. Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG! Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today. Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG! Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today. Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Daryl Hall & John Oates. The top selling duo in music history. Nine #1 hits. Ten Top 10 hits. 40 million records. Play their greatest hits and don’t be surprised if you know EVERY SONG! Driven by Daryl Hall’s blue-eyed soul vocals, Hall & Oates were the bridge from 70’s to 80’s pop as well as one of the most successful cross-over groups, scoring numerous #1 R&B hits.

With clever writing, catchy hooks, Daryl Hall and John Oates have it all. Join Noel Freidline & Maria Howell and their stellar band as they take a deep dive into this influential duo, reinterpreting their music with the same “left-of-center” approach that Hall & Oates employed to become one of the most sampled and impactful artists today. Expect to hear re-imagined classics such as “Maneater” “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” “Rich Girl” “She’s Gone” and many more.

Join Vocalists Maria Howell & Joe Gransden, along with The Noel Freidline Trio as they honor the life, music, and jazz legacy of Tony Bennett. This show is sure to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets while available.

Tony Bennett’s life and philosophy is the embodiment of the Great American Story. Having celebrated his 90th birthday on August 3rd 2016, his career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries is unprecedented. He continues to be embraced and loved by audiences of all generations.

Through his dedication to excellence and his insistence on quality, he has become the keeper of the flame by extolling the virtues and values represented by the Great American Songbook. Tony Bennett has been on the front lines of every major issue impacting the cornerstones of this country’s modern history. He has performed for eleven U.S. Presidents, is a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and participated in the liberation of a concentration camp, and marched side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma to support civil rights. Throughout his life, Tony Bennett has been a dedicated pacifist and proactive humanitarian selflessly supporting many causes whose goals benefit the lives of millions. His love for his country has earned him the distinction of national treasure and the United Nations has named him a Citizen of the World as one of their foremost ambassadors.

Through his music, Tony Bennett has connected in unprecedented fashion with all generations of audiences. His commitment to humanitarian ideals has bridged our differences by highlighting what we have in common as citizens of the planet. He has fought for the hard issues when others have turned a blind eye and has remained true to the authenticity and creativity of his musical vision. Tony has achieved the Great American Dream but has never forgotten his own roots and is constantly working toward ensuring that others can achieve their dreams as well. His life story is compelling in the lessons and values that it teaches: dedication, commitment, courage, and compassion.

John, Paul, George and Ringo. No last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative and influential. In less than ten years they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way as to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. The Noel Freidline Quartet with vocalist Maria Howell presents an evening of masterful re-imagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well known songs.

John, Paul, George and Ringo. No last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative and influential. In less than ten years they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way as to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. The Noel Freidline Quartet with vocalist Maria Howell presents an evening of masterful re-imagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well known songs.

For over thirty years, the Jacksonville Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection – The Piano Place has been a jazz fest tradition. The event continues to be one of the most exciting musical spectacles to be seen anywhere!

Five finalists representing the very best jazz pianists in the world are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the Swingin’ Stage at this year’s festival. This fierce competition has become an integral part of the festival and a favorite among many eager to witness some of the most incredible rising talents in the jazz world.

Past judges have included jazz legends such as Marcus Roberts, Brian Culbertson, Christian Sands, Jason Miles, Joey Calderazzo, Lynne Arriale, Dr. John, Per Danielsson, John Thomas, and other well-known jazz musicians.

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection – The Piano Place has been a Jacksonville tradition for more than 30 years. The competition, hosted by the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment, will take place on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at The Florida Theatre, where five finalists, chosen through a “blind” judging process in March, will compete for the honor of this award. The winner will receive a monetary prize and will perform at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

Noel Freidline to emcee the event and perform with vocalist Maria Howell while judges deliberate.

The event is FREE and open to the public.

John, Paul, George and Ringo. No last names needed. The Beatles were that iconic, innovative and influential. In less than ten years they redefined pop and rock and pointed the way as to how music would be created for the next 40 years. Not the least of their contributions may be a lexicon of songs that can stand up to reinterpretation and recasting into most any genre. Their masterful melodies and strong harmonic approach makes their music a perfect jumping off point for jazz musicians. The Noel Freidline Quartet with vocalist Maria Howell presents an evening of masterful reimagining of some of the Fab Four’s most well known songs.

Dubbed "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums.

She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra. She worked with all the jazz greats, from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong.

She performed at top venues all over the world, and packed them to the hilt. Her audiences were as diverse as her vocal range. They were rich and poor, made up of all races, all religions and all nationalities. In fact, many of them had just one binding factor in common - they all loved her.

Join Maria Howell and the Noel Freidline Quartet as they present the best of “Lady Ella” from the hit that launched her “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” to “Summertime” and her raucous rendition of “Mack the Knife.”

Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet for an evening of unforgettable music with an innovative performer and composer who is clearly tuned into the pulse of contemporary music. About Chris Brubeck

Chris Brubeck continues to distinguish himself as a multi-faceted performer and creative force. An award-winning writer, he is tuned into the pulse of contemporary music. The respected music critic for The Chicago Tribune, John von Rhein, calls Chris: “a composer with a real flair for lyrical melody--a 21st Century Lenny Bernstein.” Chris has created an impressive body of symphonic work while maintaining a demanding touring and recording schedule with his two groups: the Brubeck Brothers Quartet (with brother Dan on drums) and Triple Play, an acoustic trio featuring Chris on piano, bass, and trombone along with guitarist Joel Brown and harmonica player extraordinaire Peter Madcat Ruth. Additionally, Chris performs as a soloist playing his trombone concertos with orchestras and has served as Artist in Residence with orchestras and colleges in America, coaching, lecturing, and performing with students and faculty. Once a year, he tours England with the group Brubecks Play Brubeck along with brothers Darius (on piano) and Dan, as well as British saxophonist Dave O’Higgins. Chris had been a long-standing member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, writing arrangements and touring and recording with his father’s group for over 20 years. Dave and Chris co-wrote the orchestral piece “Ansel Adams: America,” which has received dozens of performances and in 2013 was a Grammy finalist for Best Instrumental Composition.

Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet for an evening of unforgettable music with an innovative performer and composer who is clearly tuned into the pulse of contemporary music. About Chris Brubeck

Chris Brubeck continues to distinguish himself as a multi-faceted performer and creative force. An award-winning writer, he is tuned into the pulse of contemporary music. The respected music critic for The Chicago Tribune, John von Rhein, calls Chris: “a composer with a real flair for lyrical melody--a 21st Century Lenny Bernstein.” Chris has created an impressive body of symphonic work while maintaining a demanding touring and recording schedule with his two groups: the Brubeck Brothers Quartet (with brother Dan on drums) and Triple Play, an acoustic trio featuring Chris on piano, bass, and trombone along with guitarist Joel Brown and harmonica player extraordinaire Peter Madcat Ruth. Additionally, Chris performs as a soloist playing his trombone concertos with orchestras and has served as Artist in Residence with orchestras and colleges in America, coaching, lecturing, and performing with students and faculty. Once a year, he tours England with the group Brubecks Play Brubeck along with brothers Darius (on piano) and Dan, as well as British saxophonist Dave O’Higgins. Chris had been a long-standing member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, writing arrangements and touring and recording with his father’s group for over 20 years. Dave and Chris co-wrote the orchestral piece “Ansel Adams: America,” which has received dozens of performances and in 2013 was a Grammy finalist for Best Instrumental Composition.