($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer Kevin Hays is internationally recognized as one of the most original and compelling musicians of his generation. He makes his Century Room debut with bassist Rick Rosato and drummer Jimmy Macbride.

Kevin’s live performances are joyous and deeply expressive, blending his lyrical original compositions with exquisite arrangements spanning Milton Nascimento, The Beatles, Wayne Shorter, and Cole Porter. In March 2026, Kevin will record a live album at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City with Thomas Morgan and Brian Blade.

Kevin’s recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, DownBeat, and JazzTimes. Notable collaborations include Brad Mehldau (Modern Music, Nonesuch), as well as world tours with James Taylor, Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, Chris Potter, Roy Haynes, and many others.

“There are plenty of talented pianists… but few have Hays’ melodic charms and sense of style.” – The New Yorker ‘Best of the Year’ list

“A jolt of joy.” – The New York Times

“He’s all encompassing. Phenomenally so!” – John Scofield

“Kevin Hays is a true original. Everything he plays has a deep intelligence and swing.” – Brad Mehldau

($10-15 + Dice Fees | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join saxophonist Eric Nakanishi along with his band for Late Night!

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) NYC based guitarist Pete Smith and bassist Dave Ambrosio come together for an intimate evening celebrating the timeless music of Antônio Carlos Jobim. A dynamic and widely traveled guitarist, Smith has performed at major international festivals, toured across more than 30 countries, and collaborated with artists ranging from Norah Jones to Donald Byrd and Michael Feinstein’s Carnegie Hall Big Band. His deep connection to Brazilian and Afro-Cuban traditions, particularly through his long-running work with Grupo Los Santos, makes him an especially compelling interpreter of Jobim’s songbook. Alongside him, Ambrosio brings over 25 years as one of New York’s most respected bassists and educators, with a career spanning collaborations with leading jazz figures and appearances in ensembles like the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra. Together, they reimagine classic Jobim melodies with a jazz swing.

Pete Smith (guitar) Dave Ambrosio (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with bassist Adam Gay and his band!

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 4:30pm Show ) Saxophonist, flutist, and composer John David Simon stands as a commanding and distinctive voice in today’s jazz landscape. A seasoned bandleader and internationally recognized performer, Simon brings a rare combination of fiery virtuosity, lyrical depth, and masterful swing to every stage he graces.

Over the course of his career, he has shared the spotlight with iconic artists including Ella Fitzgerald, J. J. Johnson, Jason Marsalis, Chaka Khan, T. S. Monk, and Ray Charles — a testament to his versatility and stature across generations and styles.

His formidable big band credentials include performances with the orchestras of Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jacquet, Artie Shaw, and Jimmy Dorsey, affirming his deep roots in the great orchestral jazz tradition.

Simon’s artistic legacy is further distinguished by his inclusion in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler. His original compositions are published in The Real Philadelphia Book (Temple University Press) and permanently archived in the Library of Congress — underscoring his lasting contribution to the art form.

This performance features Aiden Oh (piano) Adam Gay (bass) and Andrew Flores (drums)

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 6:30pm-9:30pm) Come sit in with multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid and the Century Room house band! Band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam until 9:30pm. Musicians who sit in get in free thanks to the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative!

($20-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Saxophonist and composer John Simon fronts the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra!

JOHN SIMON

Saxophonist, flutist, and composer John David Simon stands as a commanding and distinctive voice in today’s jazz landscape. A seasoned bandleader and internationally recognized performer, Simon brings a rare combination of fiery virtuosity, lyrical depth, and masterful swing to every stage he graces.

Over the course of his career, he has shared the spotlight with iconic artists including Ella Fitzgerald, J. J. Johnson, Jason Marsalis, Chaka Khan, T. S. Monk, and Ray Charles — a testament to his versatility and stature across generations and styles.

His formidable big band credentials include performances with the orchestras of Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jacquet, Artie Shaw, and Jimmy Dorsey, affirming his deep roots in the great orchestral jazz tradition.

Simon’s artistic legacy is further distinguished by his inclusion in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler. His original compositions are published in The Real Philadelphia Book (Temple University Press) and permanently archived in the Library of Congress — underscoring his lasting contribution to the art form.

CENTURY JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Inspired by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. An intergenerational ensemble, the CJO fosters community with students, teachers and professionals performing alongside each other and is supported by the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative 501(c)3. Come relive the magic of the big band era every Monday as the CJO keeps the music alive and thriving in the 21st Century!

(SOLD OUT | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Comedy Fundraiser for VECINA, an organization devoted to immigrants’ humanitarian legal needs.

** Obstructed view tickets in Paul’s Lounge will be available for purchase at the door with a live feed from the stage!*

Featuring FITZ, GLIX, MEMBRILA & STANLEY with Special Guest Bob Girth

VECINA is a national nonprofit that supports immigrants and the advocates who stand beside them. We provide training, mentorship, and tools to attorneys and volunteers so immigrants navigating detention, deportation, or family separation are not forced to face the system alone. We believe our shared humanity transcends borders, and we work to ensure dignity and due process for all.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Nick Coventry, Matt Mitchell, Evan Dain & Marco Rosano form the swinging Hot Club of Tucson Quartet! The group plays jazz manouche in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappeli. The band starts at 6:30pm. Every 2nd Wednesday!

Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli were pivotal figures in the development of jazz in Europe, particularly through their groundbreaking work with the Quintette du Hot Club de France in the 1930s. Reinhardt, a Belgian-born Romani guitarist, overcame a debilitating hand injury to pioneer a unique style of jazz guitar that combined virtuosic speed, expressive phrasing, and gypsy musical traditions. Grappelli, a classically trained French violinist, brought elegance and melodic sophistication to jazz improvisation, helping elevate the violin as a serious jazz instrument. Together, their collaboration fused American swing with European sensibilities, laying the foundation for what became known as “Gypsy Jazz” and influencing generations of musicians worldwide.