Say Adieu to the Tampa Bay Area's Longest-Running Jazz Gig

The Garden Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, just around the corner from Jannus Landing, is closing this Sunday.

And with it goes the longest-running jazz gig in the Tampa Bay area, held down by ex-Ellington trombonist Buster Cooper.

That's sad news, in a region where jazz gets precious little support, from performing arts halls or nightclubs. The bright side: Cooper will continue leading a band on Friday and Saturday nights, this time at Jo-Jo's, across the street from the Garden.

For the lowdown on the shutdown, and a look back at Buster's career (along with a video clip), check out Luis Perez's story in today's St. Petersburg Times.