WUSF Studio Sessions Podcast

Julián Pernett Castilla’s pronounced natural talents in music, specifically in Afro-Latin percussion instruments are the result of his valuable cultural heritage from the Colombian Caribbean Coast. These abilities have always provided him with an abundance of musical gifts to share with the world. He is a passionate instrumentalist, concert pianist, and educator. Trained in the Western European musical tradition and the discipline of Improvisation in the Jazz style, Julián possesses a rich skillset that has opened a door to freely explore musical thoughts. With all sonic options at hand, including beyond the realms of piano performance, he makes each creation a truly personal expression through music.

Bela Souza is a seasoned singer living in St. Pete, FL. She has been performing in the Tampa Bay area since 2011. Bela studied Musical Theatre at the University of Tampa, which led her to pursue a career in music and vocal coaching. Her sultry, soulful sound and Brazilian roots have influenced her love for singing jazz and bossa nova.

Meet Chuck Owen. He is a jazz composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. Best known as the leader of the big band The Jazz Surge, which he founded in 1995, Owen has earned five individual Grammy nominations for his evocative and genre-bending compositions. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of South Florida, where he taught for 40 years, and serves as the founding President of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC). I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Daniela Soledade is a rising star among legends in the Brazilian music scene. Downbeat Magazine calls Daniela a “master of classic samba and bossa nova.” An heir to the Bossa Nova legacy, Soledade is highly acclaimed for her poignantly expressive vocal style and intimate aesthetic.. With a tremendous talent for paying tribute to her musical heritage while staying true to her own artistry, Soledade is a mix of authentic bossa nova, samba, MPB, and American Popular Song.

"JazzTimes calls him a 'masterful guitarist,' Nate Najar has emerged as one of America's finest modern jazz exponents.  From his Billboard chart topping hit ‘Groove Me’ to the critical and commercial acclaim of ‘Jazz Samba Pra Sempre,’ Najar amalgamates his varied experience into a diverse and interesting body of work spanning live performance, recording and visual media.  

Currently on tour with Daniela Soledade, his partner in love, life and music the guitarist/arranger/producer/engineer continues spreading Love & Bossa Nova at venues all across the globe."

The Nick Peters Quartet is a dynamic jazz ensemble led by pianist Nicholas Peters, who has been performing since age four and immersed in jazz since middle school. Based in the Tampa Bay area, Nicholas has performed at renowned venues such as the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, the Mahaffey Theatre, Crowbar, and Sparkman Wharf. Alongside his quartet, he delivers vibrant, soulful jazz that captivates any audience.

Golden Flower is a progressive jazz quintet that’s pushing traditional genre boundaries. Their unique sound is rooted in a wide range of influences including Jazz, Funk, Afro-Latin, Indian Classical, Grunge, and Experimental Music. The ensemble consists of Shawn Villanueva on trumpet, Caitlin Pequignot on violin, Cameron Gholami on drums, Brandon Miller on bass, and Patrick Moreno on keys.

Personnel:
Warren Buchholz - video/editing
Jackson Harpe - sound

With The Palladium closed for renovations through 2027, local musicians are losing valuable performance space. Green Light Kitchen & Lounge in downtown St. Pete is helping fill the gap, hosting free jazz performances and weekly jam sessions featuring some of the area's top talent.⁠
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Owner Michael Hazlett hopes the venue can serve as a welcoming hub for artists, film lovers, and music fans while supporting the local jazz community during the Palladium's hiatus.⁠

Mutant Fusion Collective (MFC), the jazz/rock sonic conquistadors, have set sail from Dunedin, FL.

Fronted by guitarist and bandleader Kirk Yates, MFC has earned a reputation for its genre-blending prowess. Their signature sound seamlessly melds original compositions with classic jazz standards and ‘90s alt-rock anthems.

Known for their bold bond of jazz’s improvisational freedom and grunge rock’s raw energy, MFC delivers performances marked by intricate solos, tight rhythms, and a palpable passion.

Quin Killin' is a poet, advocate, educator, and performer reppin’ Liberty City, Miami on their back while residing in Volusia County, Florida. They have had their works featured on platforms such as Anomalous Press, African Writer, The Bitchin’ Kitsch, WUSF Arts Axis Florida, Button Poetry, and Voices in Power. They are also an avid comic panelist with speaking and performance experiences Tampa Bay Comic Con, Blerd Con, Dream Con, Holiday Matsuri, and Orlando MegaCon. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Stetson University, they live life as a part-time Blerd, a full-time AuDHD, introverted Negro, and moonlights as a comedic, smart mouth in intimate spaces and Substack essays.

Video recorded by Suite E Studios. 

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Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented  Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Led by bassist and founder Holly Cordero, Steamin' Jazz is a dynamic ensemble hailing from Central Florida. Known for their versatile performances, they blend jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, funk grooves, and jazz-infused renditions of pop tunes. With a rotating lineup that includes configurations like the Steamin' Quartet, Trio, or Duo, the group brings a fresh and engaging experience to every show.

Dennis Rodney (D-Rod the Poet) is a Tampa-based spoken word artist and poet known for performances featuring lyrical and rhythmic content. He is the host of "Poetry Is..." on WMNF 88.5. 

Video recorded by Suite E Studios. 

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Last year, WUSF lost all of its federal funding. We turned to our community—and you stepped up to support the local, fact-based journalism, music, and cultural programming you love. As a thank-you, we’re excited to invite you to Jazz on the Block, a free celebration in honor of members like you.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, live jazz offers a meaningful way to support well‑being by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and bringing people together through shared experience. WUSF and Suite E Studios presented  Jazz on the Block, a vibrant community event hosted at Suite E Studios in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and partnered with Freeman Sound. This free, five‑hour celebration took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.