How a St. Petersburg marina became an unlikely haven for big band jazz

At Harborage Marina’s Bayboro Harbor in St. Petersburg, a boat shop has become an unexpected stage for big band jazz. Behind panels hiding gears and fishing gear, the Carl Fischer Nouveau Big Band holds a monthly show—typically on Wednesdays—welcoming about a dozen musicians, including veterans such as Carl Fischer, Billy Joel’s longtime trumpet player. Since April, the concerts have featured arrangements that blend swing with bossa nova, Latin, samba and funk. Fischer, who taps college students to join, aims to bring the genre to younger audiences while teaching at the University of Central Florida when he isn’t touring. Drummer Tim Conway also runs the venue.