In 2020, COVID-19 created a very difficult time for a lot of business owners like Arlene Brooks, who owns and operates Coffee Speaks n Tea Talks in New Tampa.
Her business closed for a period of time during the pandemic, but eventually was reopened. This was when Brooks realized that she needed to come up with a way to get people back into her parking lot.
“My goal with Jazz Under the Starz was to bring what was inside the coffee shop to the parking lot and create a safe, soulful environment for people to enjoy music and feel like a community again,” said Brooks.
Local artists who play the sax, clarinet, keys, violin and steel drum all came out and played from the heart.
Like most great events, Jazz Under the Starz is defined by those humble beginnings. During the pandemic, social distancing was at the forefront of Brooks’ priorities. Musicians would entertain using the instruments of their choosing to crowds of guests outside of her coffee shop and tea house.
What no one ever could have predicted was the sheer popularity of the event. Now, Brooks is looking toward the future, and helping to deliver the joy that Jazz music brings, to as many people in the community as possible.
With so much growth, Brooks yearned for a permanent home for Jazz Under the Starz. She turned to her local leaders at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce for assistance. President and CEO Hope Kennedy was instrumental in making the connection Brooks needed to fulfill her future aspirations of a jazz clubhouse.
As it would turn out, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was a perfect fit.
“It was an instantaneous connection and partnership,” said Brooks.
“We are not just developers — we are building a new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.
When Avalon Park reaches its final development, it will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub. The hub will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths, making for a picturesque and comfortable community. What better way to introduce the diverse community to new options of artistic entertainment than with the celebration of jazz music and a new jazz clubhouse?
“I want it to be a place where people can come and join together to celebrate the music. Everybody loves music and it helps you forget about the hardships of life,” said Brooks.
Recently, Jazz Under the Starz began their second season at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel that included not only jazz music, but different food trucks, and live artists who were painting at the same time as the concert and selling their work to guests.
“At our most recent concert, we had over 240 people attend,” said Brooks. “The band that played was great and everyone really enjoyed the event.”
Jazz Under the Starz is held every third Saturday of the month with a different band performing at each concert. Eventually, Brooks plans on having jazz musicians from a national level play for the community.
“These types of concerts and events really aren’t going on anywhere else in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel,” said Brooks. “My goal is to push the arts and celebrate all types of creativity as a community.”
The next Jazz Under the Starz concert will be held on April 16, at 33501 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, which is located behind Pinecrest Academy on Avalon Park property.
“You can purchase your tickets now on our website,” said Brooks. “Children under 12 are free, and pets are allowed as long as they aren’t aggressive and owners are cleaning up after their furry friends.”
Visitors also can bring their own lawn chairs and coolers to the concert.
For more information about the concert events, visit JazzUnderTheStarz.com.
Published March 30, 2022
