Signature Artists at The Bay: SPAF Artist in Residence Lenora Zenzalai Helm

Join Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s Artist in Residence, Dr. Lenora Hammonds—professionally known as Lenora Zenzalai Helm—and her trio for a performance the entire family can enjoy. Lenora’s artistry weaves tradition with innovation, honoring jazz’s deep roots while embracing fresh interpretations. Bassist Mimi Jones, pianist Miki Hayama, and drummer Thomas Taylor bring dynamic chemistry and joyful energy to the stage, embodying the spirit of creating in community, for community.

Lenora’s repertoire spans timeless standards from Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, original compositions inspired by personal and global stories, and genre-blending arrangements that carry listeners on a journey—gentle at times, powerful at others, always moving. This special performance will also feature guest performers from the Booker High School VPA Jazz Program.

About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Since 1987, the Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to bring arts education to more than 40,000 students annually across five counties. Today, the Foundation continues this commitment while leading the vision for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center in partnership with the City of Sarasota, the Bay Park Conservancy, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. To learn more about the Foundation, click here.

Know Before You Go:

• Free parking is located around the site— along Blvd of the Arts and Van Wezel Way, and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
• Some events attract large crowds: Arrive early, be kind, and please be patient.
• All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.
• Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.

NOTE: This event will happen rain or shine. Based on Florida’s unpredictable weather, location decisions will often be made closer to the time of the event. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the Sarasota Garden Club (1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota 34236). Location changes will be communicated via ,, and.

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