Siesta Key churches offer diverse musical selections

February is shaping up to be a good month for Siesta Key music fans.

With two unique concerts coming to Key churches next week, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The Sarasota Jazz Project is bringing its big-band jazz sounds Feb. 21 to St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Just in time for Mardi Gras, this 17-piece ensemble plans to play a two-hour set of jazz standards with a big-band flair.

Founded in 2010 by coincidentally named members George McLean and George McLain, the group features top jazz musicians from all over Florida. The Jazz Project is dedicated to exposing jazz fans in the area to their unique spin on the genre.

The band, affiliated with the Sarasota Jazz Club, is playing as part of a fundraiser to benefit the music program at St. Boniface.

To keep things fresh, founding member and trombone player McLean has something special in mind for the performance at St. Boniface.

“We want to throw some Dixieland into the set,” McLean said. “We’ll have four or five members step out to play some Dixieland in the aisles. It should be an exciting performance.”

For an equally unique experience, the Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band will bring its international sounds Feb. 26 to Siesta Key Chapel. Gary Reinstrom and Larry Jacobs formed the band in 2002 to perform pipe-band music at Bradenton’s Patriot’s Day parade commemorating the one-year anniversary of 9/11.

The Jacobites celebrate Scottish heritage in the area with traditional Celtic bagpipe music, but they also incorporate singers, dancers and other instruments, including brass, woodwind and guitars. Furthermore, the Jacobites’ repertoire extends to rock, blues, calypso and gospel styles.

Reinstrom expects to perform with about 25 musicians.

“This isn’t your typical pipe band,” said he. “It’s quite a sight to behold.”

Whatever your musical tastes, there’s no shortage of unique music on Siesta Key.

IF YOU GO
Sarasota Jazz Project
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21
WHERE: St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 615 Midnight Pass Road
TICKETS: $10 at the door. Free for children under 18.
INFO: 349-5616

Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band
WHEN: 4 p.m. Feb. 26
WHERE: Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave.
TICKETS: $10 donation per person; $20 per family
INFO: 349-1166