**FRIDAY, JANUARY 17th** **7-10 p.m** **$15/person** The evening will feature live entertainment from Marco & the Polos featuring Katherine Byrnes and the Johnny Hotshot Gun Show plus specials and a best-dressed contest…
**Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of the Capture of John Dillinger!** Saturday, January 18th 9am-3pm, reenactments on the Plaza at Hotel Congress at 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm $5 donation reserves your seat! Proceeds support…
($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm Presentation | 8pm Show) Grammy Award-winning music historian, journalist and educator Ashley Kahn returns to the Century Room for a presentation on the life and legacy of Jazz… Read more
($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm Presentation | 8pm Show) Grammy Award-winning music historian, journalist and educator Ashley Kahn returns to the Century Room for a presentation on the life and legacy of Jazz Messengers bandleader and drummer Art Blakey! Then a sextet of several of Tucson’s best jazz musicians will play a selection of tunes from his illustrious career.
Brice Winston (sax) Jason Carder (trumpet) Max Goldschmid (trombone) Angelo Versace (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)
THE BIG BEAT OF MODERN JAZZ
Art Blakey was a giant of modern jazz — one of the rare drummers who played with every other pioneer and grew to become a bandleader in his own right. He is still celebrated as much for his distinctive musical vocabulary — dramatic press rolls, spicy rim shots, leaning on the hi-hat for the primary pulse — as he is for hiring legions of future jazz stars in his Jazz Messengers group (Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard are but three headliners who graduated from the University of Art Blakey!) He’s also known as the father of hard bop, the blues-rich style that is the primary flavor of small-group jazz to this day. Who was Blakey and how did he achieve his greatness? What about his breakthrough recordings and this “hard bop” approach that still sounds so modern? The answers to these and other questions — with music, video and live performance — will be answered at The Century Room as a lead-up to the Tucson Jazz Festival on Tuesday, January 14.
7pm Signups, 8pm Show Comedy without the competition. In August 2021, local Comedians Priscilla Fernandez, Mo Urban and Amber Frame created Lady Haha: a comedy open mic for women, LGBTQ+, all marginalized… Read more
7pm Signups, 8pm Show
Comedy without the competition.
In August 2021, local Comedians Priscilla Fernandez, Mo Urban and Amber Frame created Lady Haha: a comedy open mic for women, LGBTQ+, all marginalized folx and our allies to perform ANY genre of comedy (not just stand-up) in a supportive and super fun environment. Whether it’s your first time trying comedy or your thousandth—all levels of experience are welcome! Everyone gets at most 5 minutes of stage time, and it’s free!
Anyone 21+ can come watch, but the stage is reserved for marginalized-funny people and our allies. Our only rule is “no hate speech” (sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia and violent speech).
Lady Haha also produces comedy-variety shows in Tucson with an emphasis on diversity and all genres of comedy.
We’re proud to say we are the first and only comedy open mic of its kind—IN THE WORLD—right here in little ol’ Tucson, AZ. We hope to see more of these popping up!
($15-$25 tickets | 6:30pm Show) Join drummer and composer Benjamin Ring for an unforgettable evening of jazz! Featuring music from his acclaimed debut album, ‘With Every Step’, and new original compositions, this… Read more
($15-$25 tickets | 6:30pm Show) Join drummer and composer Benjamin Ring for an unforgettable evening of jazz! Featuring music from his acclaimed debut album, ‘With Every Step’, and new original compositions, this performance showcases the ensemble’s dynamic energy, creative interplay, and innovative spirit.
A graduate of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, Benjamin Ring is celebrated for his imaginative rhythms and seamless blend of improvisation and composition. He has performed at top venues and festivals nationwide, earning recognition as a rising star in contemporary jazz.
With pianist Adam Hersh and bassist Logan Kane completing the stellar trio, this ensemble delivers a fresh, modern take on the genre.
($5 Tickets | 8:30pm & 10pm sets) Join The Century Room every Thursday at 8:30pm for our Soul Jazz Lounge! Each lounge hosts a rotating cast of All-Star house bands and features… Read more
($5 Tickets | 8:30pm & 10pm sets) Join The Century Room every Thursday at 8:30pm for our Soul Jazz Lounge! Each lounge hosts a rotating cast of All-Star house bands and features our Viscount Legend Soul Organ designed by the late great Joey DeFrancesco, complete with the Leslie Speaker. The Viscount Soul organ is a modern recreation of vintage Hammond B3 instruments, which were made famous by jazz organists like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Larry Young, Brother Jack McDuff & Dr. Lonnie Smith.
This week features Jon Eldridge II & Benjamin Ring!
The Thursday night Soul Jazz Sessions offer a classy and relaxing atmosphere spotlighting the Century Room’s Viscount Legend Soul organ with Vortex rotating speaker, a modern recreation of the legendary Hammond B3 organ/Leslie combo made famous by the great jazz, blues, and rock Hammond B3 organists of yesteryear.
**YES GOOD PONY & CLUB CONGRESS PRESENT:** TEMPO 🗯️ Inviting all Dj’s, Beat Makers, Artists & Music Lovers to join us every Thursday at the iconic Club Congress to play whatever makes… Read more
**YES GOOD PONY & CLUB CONGRESS PRESENT:**
TEMPO 🗯️
Inviting all Dj’s, Beat Makers, Artists & Music Lovers to join us every Thursday at the iconic Club Congress to play whatever makes you feel most.
Rotating Genres, Creative Blends, Amateurs & Experts all welcome here.
Hosted by: @waltersthedon | @yesgoodpony 🎠
Every Thursday | 10PM
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Armen Donelian & Dominique Eade! **ARMEN DONELIAN** Since 1975, pianist, composer and Fulbright Scholar Armen Donelian has distinguished himself In 25… Read more
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Armen Donelian & Dominique Eade!
**ARMEN DONELIAN**
Since 1975, pianist, composer and Fulbright Scholar Armen Donelian has distinguished himself In 25 countries as a featured solo pianist, band leader, educator and with Jazz legends including Sonny Rollins. Donelian’s distinctive music blends diverse influences from his Armenian origin, his Classical technique and his association with many of the biggest names in Jazz. And according to Metronom magazine, “He achieves this fusion in such a natural way that one can tell it’s a master’s work.” armendonelian.com
**DOMINIQUE EADE**
Dominique Eade is an extraordinary vocalist, composer, improviser and RCA recording artist. Poetic and passionate, Dominique blends musical virtuosity with a songwriter’s straightforward emotional sensibility. She creates music that has garnered critical acclaim, earned the admiration of her peers, inspired audiences and served as a creative signpost for generations of singers. dominiqueeade.com
**FRIDAY, JANUARY 17th** **7-10 p.m** **$15/person** The evening will feature live entertainment from Marco & the Polos featuring Katherine Byrnes and the Johnny Hotshot Gun Show plus specials and a best-dressed contest… Read more
**FRIDAY, JANUARY 17th**
**7-10 p.m**
**$15/person**
The evening will feature live entertainment from Marco & the Polos featuring Katherine Byrnes and the Johnny Hotshot Gun Show plus specials and a best-dressed contest will be going down as well! Additionally, there will be a Whiskey Tasting available for purchase on the event page (with a GA ticket included!)
**$45 Whiskey Tasting ticket includes GA entry + Six whiskeys samples (.5oz)**
**This year’s selections:**
**Basil Hayden**
**Knob Creek 9y**
**Woodinville Rye**
**Blade & Bow**
**High West Double Rye**
**Redwood Pipe Dream**
So, break out your favorite 1930s digs and join us for a fun Friday night! A portion of proceeds benefits the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to assist with unmet needs in the fire service community in the areas of advanced training, technology, survivor’s help, education campaigns, firefighter health and wellness, and other support services.
And one more thing: If you’d like to dine at the Cup Cafe, the crew highly recommends reserving your table well in advance.
Fridays | 12AM – 2AM | FREE Pop Nights w/ Bex From modern pop hits to deep cuts, from Britney to Billie, this dance night serves nonstop pop bops from 12-close. DJ… Read more
Fridays | 12AM – 2AM | FREE
Pop Nights w/ Bex
From modern pop hits to deep cuts, from Britney to Billie, this dance night serves nonstop pop bops from 12-close. DJ Bex spins hits to dance and sing your heart out to with your besties, from icons new and old like Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Madonna, Robyn, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, 100 Gecs, Harry Styles, Charlie XCX and many many more! Grab your glitter and your optimism and head to the Hotel Congress Plaza, cause everything’s alright on Pop night!
$3 PBR
$4 TRULY
$5 MEXICAN CANDY SHOT
($10 -$20 | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with Eric Nakanishi Quartet! You never know who will come sit in with the band during the Tucson… Read more
($10 -$20 | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with Eric Nakanishi Quartet! You never know who will come sit in with the band during the Tucson Jazz Festival…
Eric Nakanishi (alto) Pete Saxe (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)
**Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of the Capture of John Dillinger!** Saturday, January 18th 9am-3pm, reenactments on the Plaza at Hotel Congress at 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm $5 donation reserves your seat! Proceeds support… Read more
**Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of the Capture of John Dillinger!**
Saturday, January 18th
9am-3pm, reenactments on the Plaza at Hotel Congress at 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm
$5 donation reserves your seat! Proceeds support The Tucson Fire Foundation and The California Fire Foundation.
We continue to celebrate with the 91st anniversary of the Tucson Police Departments capture of John Dillinger with – Saturday Dillinger Days event, a family-friendly extravaganza that includes three Dillinger’s capture reenactments, a FREE vintage car show, historic lectures, and historical walking tours of downtown. We also have fully restored Tucson Fire Department trucks that actually fought the 1934 fire.
**Schedule:**
**10am:** 1st Reenactment
**12:00pm:** 2nd Reenactment
**1:30pm**: 3rd Reenactment
(SOLD OUT | 4:30pm show) Tucson Jazz Festival presents The Black Market Trust! **THE BLACK MARKET TRUST** The Black Market Trust are an American Traditional Pop/Vocal Jazz group from Los Angeles who… Read more
(SOLD OUT | 4:30pm show) Tucson Jazz Festival presents The Black Market Trust!
**THE BLACK MARKET TRUST**
The Black Market Trust are an American Traditional Pop/Vocal Jazz group from Los Angeles who combine the sounds of the legendary American crooners and vocal groups with the fire and energy of Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Consisting of five world class musicians who have traveled the globe recording and performing on the world’s biggest stages and with music’s most renowned artists, The Black Market Trust capitalize on their experience and pedigree to deliver a high energy, crowd pleasing performance filled with some of the best songs ever written.
The live show features material from The Great American Songbook infused with Django’s romantic and virtuosic flavor. Add some intricate vocal harmonies, a dash of Rat Pack-style comedy and it’s clear to audiences why The Black Market Trust have quickly earned a reputation as one of the premier live acts performing in music today. Be transported as they meld two distinctly different vibes- one of a gypsy campfire, the other a slick metropolitan nightclub- into a cohesive, stylish sound.
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Matthew Whitaker Organ Trio! Matthew’s musical journey began at age 3 with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He’s now an… Read more
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Matthew Whitaker Organ Trio!
Matthew’s musical journey began at age 3 with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable T.V. shows like Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes.
Matthew is a versatile artist, starring, producing, and scoring the All-Arts Emmy-nominated documentary “About Tomorrow” and scoring the film “Starkeisha,” which is currently streaming on Hulu. He also appeared in and contributed music to the Emmy-winning Apple T.V. commercial “The Greatest.” Matthew made his musical director debut for the award winning “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.” A musical on the life of pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn, which premiered in Pittsburgh, PA, in the fall of 2023. He’s had guest soloist appearances with orchestras and symphonies including Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the baton of guest conductor, Marin Alsop, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CN, Alexander Shelley, conductor. He also composed a song for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, in Sofia, Bulgaria, which was included in the aforementioned All-Arts documentary, “About Tomorrow.”
Beyond music, Matthew advocates for persons with disabilities, consulting with companies to improve accessibility features.
He is a three-time ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award winner, with three studio albums as a leader; “Outta The Box,” “Now HearThis,” and “Connections.” His fourth recording, “On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute,” an homage to some of Matthew’s heroes on the instrument, will debut in early Summer 2024. Matthew has collaborated with industry greats like bassist, composer, and producer Derrick Hodge; pianist, composer, and musical director Ray Chew; pianist, multiple Grammy-award winning composer, vocalist, and band leader Jon Batiste; Grammy-award winning bassist Christian McBride; and NEA Jazz Master, violinist Regina Carter.
Doors 7pm | Show 7:30pm | Adv $10 | Dos $15 + fees | 16+ —BUSH LEAGUE—Bush League plays homage to all of the beloved minor leagues out there. Music catered to… Read more
Doors 7pm | Show 7:30pm | Adv $10 | Dos $15 + fees | 16+
—BUSH LEAGUE—Bush League plays homage to all of the beloved minor leagues out there. Music catered to those like us, this one goes out to those of y’all with champagne taste on a bud-heavy budget. Now Tucson based, these Northern Arizona kids come from mismatched musical backgrounds. Through the thoughtful amalgamation of these styles, Bush League forges the heavy psychedelic noise scapes and jivey choruses that define their style. The league consists of Liam Cashmore on bass, Karson Trainor on drums, Jackson Ells on sax and keys, and Dylan Walker and Canyon Willis-Green both on guitar. Don’t let the name fool you, Bush League is major league.
Planck is a 4 piece psychedelic Jam Band based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Formed in 2021, Planck consists of Steven Cunningham (bass/vocals), Austin Ellis (guitar/vocals), Kevin Cramsey (guitar), and Bill “Cheese” Gluckman (drums, vocals). We are influenced by jam bands like Spafford, Phish, and Widespread Panic; as well as avant garde groups like Frank Zappa and David Bowie. Our songs, at a base, are written in Blues, and Rock influence; but lend themselves to extended improvisational jams.
Saturdays | 10pm-2am | FREE | 21+ Come hangout and dance on the Hotel Congress Plaza with Sounds by Posi! He’ll be changing it up every week so, don’t miss out! $3… Read more
Saturdays | 10pm-2am | FREE | 21+
Come hangout and dance on the Hotel Congress Plaza with Sounds by Posi! He’ll be changing it up every week so, don’t miss out!
$3 PBR
$4 TRULY
$5 MEXICAN CANDY SHOT
($10 -$20 | 10:30pm Show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with the Alex Kautz Quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! All TJF Artists are invited… Read more
($10 -$20 | 10:30pm Show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with the Alex Kautz Quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! All TJF Artists are invited to these jam sessions. You never know who will show up, but we can always guarantee that YOU should!
($25-$35 tickets | 4pm show) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Helio Alvez Samba Jazz Project on the Plaza! **HELIO ALVES** A native of São Paulo, Brazil, pianist Helio Alves combines the rhythmic complexity… Read more
($25-$35 tickets | 4pm show) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Helio Alvez Samba Jazz Project on the Plaza!
**HELIO ALVES**
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, pianist Helio Alves combines the rhythmic complexity of modern Brazilian music with the edgy energy of contemporary jazz. A resident of NYC since the ’90s, Alves has received high praise as an in-demand sideman with the likes of Joe Henderson, Yo-Yo Ma, Sadao Watanabe, Slide Hampton, Airto Moreira & Flora Purim, Paquito D’Rivera, Joyce, and Rosa Passos to name but a few.
Helio has also released four albums under his own name: “Trios” (1998), “Portrait in Black & White” (2004), “It’s Clear” (2009) and most recently,”Musica” featuring Antonio Sanchez, Reuben Rogers, Claudio Roditi and Romero Lubambo.
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Miki Yamanaka! **MIKI YAMANAKA** 34-year old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the… Read more
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Miki Yamanaka!
**MIKI YAMANAKA**
34-year old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” – Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most celebrated release, “Shades Of Rainbow” (Cellar Music), features Jazz masters Mark Turner and her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the “New York Scene” via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series cleverly titled “Miki’s Mood” where she features a veritable who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator – drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.
As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with Jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart who posits “Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan.” Other notable bands she currently works in include the Harish Raghavan Quintet and The Mingus Bigband. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ (Yamanaka also performs on organ frequently), Larry Goldings, once mused, “If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me!” – a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. She has a myriad of glowing reviews from her recorded work and the iconic Downbeat Jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her albums high marks.
Congratulations, you’re booked! You’re the star at Late Night Karaoke this Sunday on the patio – FREE from 9PM – 2AM Read more
Congratulations, you’re booked! You’re the star at Late Night Karaoke this Sunday on the patio – FREE from 9PM – 2AM
($5 -$10 | 10pm Show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with the Max Goldschmid Quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! All TJF Artists are invited… Read more
($5 -$10 | 10pm Show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with the Max Goldschmid Quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! All TJF Artists are invited to these jam sessions. You never know who will show up, but we can always guarantee that YOU should!
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents renowned Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland with the 17-piece Century Room Jazz Orchestra! **DENNIS ROWLAND** Dennis Rowland is beloved by jazz… Read more
($30-$40 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents renowned Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland with the 17-piece Century Room Jazz Orchestra!
**DENNIS ROWLAND**
Dennis Rowland is beloved by jazz devotees and theatergoers around the globe. The Detroit native and Phoenix, Arizona resident was the voice of the world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra between 1977 and 1984, where he shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams and Tony Bennett. He is also featured on the Basie Band’s Grammy award-winning record “On the Road”. An electrifying live performer, Rowland has performed at major jazz festivals, with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and at Arizona’s jazz clubs and performing arts venues.
**THE CENTURY ROOM JAZZ ORCHESTRA**
Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room. The CRJO is an intergenerational band and features a mix of professionals, educators, and students who all share a love of big band music. Expect selectins from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra and much more.
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Stephane Wrembel and his band! **STEPHANE WREMBEL** Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world…. Read more
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents Stephane Wrembel and his band!
**STEPHANE WREMBEL**
Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world. The breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. This prolific musician, composer, educator, and musical director has released a steady stream of music since 2002 truly making his mark as one of the most original guitar voices in contemporary music.
His live performance is unparallel. He has headlined Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in NYC and The Lyon Opera House in France. He has toured and/or shared stages with master violinist Mark O’Connor, Sam Bush, Stochelo Rosenberg, Esperanza Spalding, and Al Di Meola. He has dazzled audiences at Montreal Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Festival in France, Ellnora Guitar Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and many others. He has toured Canada, France, Israel, UK, India and Nigeria.
Born in Paris and raised in Fontainebleau, the home of Impressionism and Django Reinhardt, Wrembel first studied classical piano, beginning at the age of four. But in his mid-teens, he discovered that he had an affinity for guitar. As a big fan of Pink Floyd, he “spent hours learning David Gilmour’s style,” he said. “So I had a classical background, a passion for rock music, and then I found out about Django. I fell in love with the very strong impressionist feel in his music.”
Reinhardt, long regarded as one of the most influential musicians and composers of all time, was a Sinti (a Roma group from Western Europe). Wrembel immersed himself in Sinti culture, spending “six, seven years going to the camps. I started learning the atmosphere of what it really means to play Sinti-style guitar. I learned from the masters such as Angelo Debarre and Serge Krief. That’s how you learn this music because it is specific to a culture. Music is not only the notes. Without the culture, something is missing.”
Doors 7:30pm | Show 8:00pm | FREE | 21+ Congress Comedy Presents: The Switch – a comedy show Hosted by Matt Ziemak and Autumn Horvat Read more
Doors 7:30pm | Show 8:00pm | FREE | 21+
Congress Comedy Presents: The Switch – a comedy show
Hosted by Matt Ziemak and Autumn Horvat
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents New Jazz Underground! **NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND** New Jazz Underground , an American trio, have been described as “an innovative and ultra… Read more
(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Tucson Jazz Festival presents New Jazz Underground!
**NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND**
New Jazz Underground , an American trio, have been described as “an innovative and ultra creative collective striving to establish themselves as a defining voice for the genre of Jazz and beyond”. Their music signals a merging of traditional sensibilities in Jazz with the modern influence of swing, hip-hop, house/afro-beats, and afro-cuban music. Listeners were introduced to the trio’s undeniably fresh sound through viral videos of the band performing in their living room. Millions viewed videos such as: “they can hate but we still swingin’”, “f**k/s**t/c**t/jazz”, “sad boy jazz”, as well as many others featuring the band’s exuberant chemistry, effortless musicality, and raw ambition in sound.
Abdias Armenteros (Saxophonist/Composer, 25), Sebastian Rios (Bassist/Composer, 27), TJ Reddick (Drummer, 25) have each been lauded as some of Jazz’s most promising young artists in their own right. After meeting while students at The Juilliard School, the trio began playing in the parks of NYC during lock-down in 2020. They shortly began posting to their Youtube channel that has since grown to over 85k+ subscribers. Releases such as “MF Doom Suite”, “Harlem to Havana”, and “cook/swing/work/relax” fully demonstrate the trio’s reverence towards Jazz’s icons, yet still contend in a vision to establish their own voice in the expression of new sounds that transcend genre lines.
New Jazz Underground is the 2023 DCJazzPrix™ Winner. Rios is a 2024 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award Winner. Both Reddick (BM’ 20) and Armenteros (MM’ 22) are Juillard School Graduates. Armenteros is the youngest member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Reddick and Rios have played as sidemen for the likes of Jon Batiste, Sullivan Fortner, Emmet Cohen, and ELEW, among many more. Rios is a long-time student of the legendary bassist, Ron Carter.
