ST. PETERSBURG — The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Al Downing Honors, recognizing four individuals whose achievements have enriched the Tampa Bay jazz community through performance, education, advocacy, and a lifetime of artistic excellence.
Presented annually to celebrate Al Downing Day, the awards celebrate the enduring legacy of Alvin Joseph “Al” Downing — 2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame inductee, Tuskegee airman, legendary educator, and internationally respected jazz ambassador whose influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and audiences.
The awards were presented on July 19 at the Palladium Theater’s Side Door Cabaret in St. Petersburg.
Following is a look at the 2026 Al Downing Honors recipients:
Jazz Musician of the Year: Kenny Walker
A gifted bassist, composer, educator, and mentor, Kenny Walker has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s jazz community for decades. Beginning his professional career with the legendary Al Downing AllStars, Walker has performed with many of the region’s finest artists while continually expanding his creative voice as a composer and electronic musician. Through his New Groove City Music Complex, he provided an invaluable rehearsal and recording home for countless local musicians, making a lasting impact both on and off the stage.
Jazz Educator of the Year: Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas has devoted more than 20 years to inspiring young musicians through excellence in music education. A graduate of Florida A&M University and former lead trumpeter with the university’s renowned jazz program, Thomas has built an exceptional career as an educator and band director in Pinellas County. His numerous honors — including 2025 Pinellas County Center for the Arts Teacher of the Year and 2026 Zeta Phi Beta Distinguished Education Award — reflect his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.
Jazz Supporter of the Year: Warren Buchholz
Warren Buchholz has become one of Tampa Bay’s strongest advocates for jazz through his innovative work in media, digital storytelling, and community engagement. As Jazz Manager at WUSF, he records local artists, curates events, develops multimedia content, and helps connect audiences with the region’s thriving jazz scene. His dedication to promoting local musicians has significantly expanded the visibility and appreciation of jazz throughout the community.
Al Downing Legacy Award: John Lamb
The Al Downing Legacy Award honors bassist John Lamb for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in jazz. A former member of the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lamb’s remarkable career began after serving as a musician in the United States Air Force and evolved into performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. After settling in St. Petersburg, he became a respected educator at local public schools and St. Petersburg College, mentoring generations of musicians — including acclaimed bassist Alphonso Johnson—and leaving an enduring legacy that embodies the spirit of Al Downing himself.
Established to recognize exceptional achievement in jazz performance, education, and advocacy, the Al Downing Honors celebrate individuals whose work embodies Al Downing’s lifelong dedication to artistic excellence, mentorship, and service. The awards reflect the association’s ongoing commitment to preserving jazz as America’s original art form while inspiring future generations of musicians and audiences.
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes jazz through concerts, educational initiatives, scholarships, and community outreach dedicated to preserving and advancing America’s original musical art form. For information, visit www.aldowningjazz.com.