Arturo Sandoval headlines Jazz On The Green

Grammy Award-winning Latin Jazz artist Arturo Sandoval headlines the 13th annual Jazz on the Green on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. But get tuned up Friday, Jan. 16, at 8 p.m. at the Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar, 10950 S. Cleveland Ave., with Tony Pastrana and the New York Latin Jazz.

Jazz on the Green is two days of fantastic jazz, fabulous food and refreshments, fine art, fun activities and a feeling of community to a sophisticated and festive audience that comes from all over the world.

The event, originally planned for October, features Mr. Sandoval, winner of five Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award, along with Four 80 East with Nils & Shilts, BK Jackson, Wendy Renee on Saturday (gates open at 3 p.m. with show starting at 4 p.m.) and Tony Pastrana and the New York Latin Jazz at the Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets for Friday's concert are $10 by e-fan, $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. Saturday tickets are $30 e-fan, $35 pre-sale and $45 at the gate.

A two-day pass price is $40 for online, pre-sale only and available to purchase through Thursday, Jan.15.

COURTESY PHOTO Aurtoro Sandoval Tickets are available at all Suntrust Banks in Lee and Collier counties!

Coolers are not allowed this year. A small, non-insulated tote bag with plastic containers will be permitted for items such as cheese and crackers. Glass containers will not be allowed. Chairs and blankets are welcome.

Draft beers will sell at $2 per 16 ounce cup and bottled specialty beers and wine cooler drinks are $3. Wine will also be available.

Visit JazzOnTheGreen.com and join the e-Fan Club for instant ticket discounts.

The artists:

. Tony Pastrana and New York Latin Jazz - Percussionist Tony leads this mighty band of local musicians through a host of smooth and high energy Latin grooves and a variety of pop, R&B and Latin classics. Latin rhythms have been Pastrana's passion and work for more than 40 years and he has surrounded himself with talent that shares his joy of expression.

. Arturo Sandoval - Winner of five Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award, what more does one need to say? A native of Cuba who now makes the Miami area home, Mr. Sandoval even has an HBO movie of his early life and escape from Cuba to his credit. The HBO movie, "For Love or Country," won him an Emmy for the soundtrack. He is fluent in classical, straight jazz, Afro-Cuban grooves and smooth jazz. Call him Professor Sandoval as he is also a tenured professor at Florida International University. Sandoval, one of the world's most dynamic and vivacious live performers, has played with the likes of Sinatra, Getz, Mathis, Dizzy, Woody, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys... and is sure to bring some unforgettable moments to Jazz on the Green.

. Four 80 East - The brainchild of Canadian producers and players Rob DeBoer (guitar) and drummer Tony Grace, they bring their brand of groove jazz to the public. They have been nominated for numerous Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. The Four 80s, as they are affectionately called, whip it up for the new millennium with Nu-Jazz, Groove Jazz, Chill and Trance. For this show, they've added (from Germany by way of California) the amazing guitar of Nils (who's played Southwest Florida as a solo act). He's coming off of two hit albums of his own. Mr. Shilts has spent the past 11 years with Down To The Bone, and before he starts his solo tour in support of his own newly released solo CD, he agreed to join the Four 80s for this event as well.

. B.K. Jackson - A gifted 16-year-old sax player, he is truly this year's up and comer. He is beginning to get national recognition and was the winner of the 2008 Capitol Jazz Challenge.

. Wendy Renee - Joyful, zany, a fun personality plus great pipes. Mr. Renee specializes in jazz/smooth jazz and R&B vocals. She's full of energy.