Jaco Tribute/David Via Fundraiser + December Jazz Shows (Tampa Bay area)

The late great jazz bassist and composer Jaco Pastorius gets a little more love this Sunday by way of a tribute show at Musicology in Clearwater.

The show doubles as a benefit, to fund medical expenses for Tampa Bay area jazz drummer David Via. David, a drummer with exquisite timing, taste and an impeccable swing feel, has played with umpteen groups (including my old band, Greenwich Blue). He has also taught dozens of students at the Players School of Music, Musicology, and USF.

Slated to play:

Tim George w/ Butch Thomas, "Invitation"
Kenny Walker, "Bright Size Life"
Sam Martinez w/ Butch Thomas, "Havona" and "Palladium"
Elias Tona, "Three Views of a Secret" and "Used To Be a Cha-Cha"
Angel Vicens, "A Remark You Made" and "Elegant People"
Kevin Williams, "The Chicken"

Pastorius, who died in 1987 after being brutally attacked by a nightclub bouncer in Fort Lauderdale, would have turned 58 on Dec. 1.

The show starts at 5 p.m. at the venue/school, located at 2576 Sunset Point Road. Admission is $7. for more information, call (813) 817-8382.

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Also of interest to Tampa Bay area jazz fans this month:

Saturday, Dec. 5 - Nate Najar Trio holiday show, with the guitarist joined by special guests. Palladium, Theater, 23 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 8 p.m.; $25; (727)822-3590.

Monday, Dec. 7 - Jingle Jam (December jazz jam session), presented by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association. Chappy's Louisiana Kitchen, 247 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; 8 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 - Herb Snitzer: Jazz Memories, a talk and photo presentation led by the noted jazz photographer whose work captured many of the music's greats of the '50s and '60s, including Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Palladium, noon; $12, $10 for seniors.

Thursday, Dec. 10 - Side Door Jazz: Stan Hunter Quartet, led by the pianist/organist. Palladium, 7:30 p.m.; $18 advance, $20 at the door.

Friday, Dec. 11 - Jazz on the River music festival, at the former Armature Building/Old Trolley Barn at The Heights, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa; 5 to 8:30 p.m.