“Instrument of Hope” at the ArtsXchange,

“Instrument of Hope” at the ArtsXchange, Keeping the Conversation about Gun Violence Prevention on the Main Stage. 

St. Petersburg, FL – The Warehouse Arts District Association, in collaboration with the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, EMIT, Arts Axis, 7C Music, and WUSF Jazz are excited to announce the "Instrument of Hope" concert and roundtable discussion on November 3rd. 

The Instrument of Hope is a trumpet crafted using components from bullet casings, created as a response to the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. Since its inception, this remarkable trumpet has journeyed across the United States with the purpose of fostering healing and encouraging dialogue on the prevention of gun violence. Composer and Arranger Kim Scharnberg has collected testimonials from former students and survivors. Scharnberg will facilitate a roundtable discussion before the concert. The discussion will feature prominent figures such as State Representative Lindsay Cross, Council Member Brother John Muhammad as well as other influential community leaders. 

The concert will showcase a talented ensemble of musicians from Tampa Bay, brought together by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association. This organization's origins date back to the 1980s and are closely tied to the collaborative work of Al Downing, award-winning performer, band leader and music educator and the late Ernie Calhoun a celebrated saxophonist and humanitarian from Tampa, Florida. This event is a noteworthy addition to the Warehouse Arts District Association's Concert Series, which is aptly titled "Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse." 

The 2-part event will take place at 7C Music and the ArtsXchange Outdoor Theater, located at 515 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, on Friday, November 3rd, from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Ticket pricing options include General Admission tickets at $15 and discounted tickets for WADA and ADTBJA Members at $10. The event schedule is as follows: 

• 6:30-7:30 PM at 7C Music: Roundtable discussion on gun violence prevention featuring State Representative Lindsay Cross, City Council Member Brother John Muhammed, Dr. Tara Newsom, Dr. Kirsten England, Dr. Erin Carlin, and other community leaders. 

• 7:30-9 PM: Concert presented by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association featuring the Instrument of Hope to be performed by Trumpeter and Band Leader, Dwayne White. Vocalist Belinda Womack will be a special guest. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dialogue, and community engagement. To obtain more information about the "Instrument of Hope" event and secure your tickets, please visit https://warehouseartsdistrict.wildapricot.org/event-5384091