Jose Valentino also performing at 4th Friday Clearwater in September

Renowned jazz artist, José Valentino, is also performing in Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District at the 4th Friday’s September 25th Kick-off for the 30th Anniversary of Clearwater Jazz Holiday.

Clearwater, FL, September 14, 2009 – The producers of 4th Friday Clearwater recently announced that they put together even more star-studded performances for their September kick-off to the 30th Anniversary of Clearwater Jazz Holiday. The renowned José Valentino will also be performing on September 25th in Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District. Valentino, a Downbeat Magazine award-winning flutist with proven jazz and classical skills, has been described as a “flute on fire” with an already illustrious career at the age of 21, opening or performing side-by-side with local and international artists such as Aaron Neville, Chic Corea, Jim Walker…and the list goes on and on. Most recently, he performed with Paquito D’Rivera at the prestigious Tanglewood Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Before reaching the age required to obtain a Florida driver’s permit, José Valentino Ruiz, aka-Joe Ruiz, was playing flute with passion and dexterity. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, he moved to Tampa, Florida at age 8. Frequent trips with his family to Puerto Rico infused fervor in his soul for his Hispanic heritage and excitement for Latin rhythms.

“Overall I just want to bring people together with music….it’s something that all people of all ages seem to agree on and if I have made someone’s day better, I know I’m doing something right,” says José.

Valentino’s latest CD “ALL ABOUT YOU” is a special album that is reported to “have flavors for everyone” which is why the 4th Friday Clearwater event producers knew he’d be a perfect match for their 1500-plus party goers.

• 4th Friday Clearwater Parties on Cleveland Street are FREE.
• A suggested donation on September 25th is a non-perishable food item for the RCS Food Bank.
• Two city blocks will be closed down on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater.
• Beer, wine, food and wares will be for sale.
• The party starts at 5:30pm and will go until 10pm.

The CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY FOUNDATION will be the benefiting charity supplying volunteers to run the beer and wine stands.

For more information, visit www.4thFridayClearwater.com or call 866-550-3472.

About the CDP:
The Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP) is comprised of downtown property owners, developers, concerned citizens and civic groups and is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote and foster the economic redevelopment of Downtown Clearwater. The Partnership’s aim is to name, fund and implement projects that will assist the public and private sectors in averting blight and creating a downtown district that becomes a regional destination. The CDP brings stakeholders together to develop, advocate and implement policies that build an exciting, vibrant and diverse downtown and plays an essential role in keeping the business community educated, informed and involved in the continued success of downtown. Find more information at www.clwdp.org

This post was submitted by Karla Jo Helms.