JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti is bringing his signature blend of jazz, pop and improvisation back to Jacksonville, promising a live show that he says is never the same twice.
Botti, who performs close to 300 shows worldwide each year, said his current tour features major changes, including new band members, special guest performers and the return of longtime collaborator guitarist Mark Whitfield.
“For anyone that’s never seen my show, it’s really a combination of an all-star band,” Botti said. “Every instrument is represented at the highest level, and the improvisation makes it completely different every single night.”
The trumpeter first gained national attention touring with Sting before launching a successful solo career that has spanned more than two decades. Known for his genre-crossing sound, Botti said his music is designed to appeal to longtime jazz fans while welcoming new audiences.
“When people hear ‘trumpet player,’ they don’t always know what to expect,” he said. “But the show moves from jazz to pop to rock, and it’s all about entertainment and connection.”
Botti said Jacksonville audiences stand out among the many cities he visits each year, describing the crowd as energetic and engaged.
“There are certain cities that just have a different kind of kick,” he said. “Jacksonville is one of them. It’s always a lot of fun for us to play there.”
While the set list continues to evolve, Botti said the goal remains the same at every stop: create a shared experience between the musicians and the audience.
“I put myself in the audience,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like they’re seeing something special — something they can’t get anywhere else.”