($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!

($15-$25 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Join us for an evening of big band music from two of Tucson’s premier groups! This week features the award-winning Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band for their end of year celebration! They’re followed by the Century Jazz Orchestra.

The Tucson Jazz Music Foundation is proud to sponsor the Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band’s performance at The Century Room. Thank you to all the Foundation donors that make these sponsorships possible. If you would like to make a donation to support youth and educational performances at The Century Room, visit https://tjmfdn.org for details or email TucsonJazzMusicFDN@gmail.com.

Inspired by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra, plus classics from Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and much more! 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!

($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.

($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.

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) Born to a Sri Lankan father and German mother, Stefan Mahendra’s musical journey began at a piano bench in South London, guided by his mother’s encouragement and early classical training. But it wasn’t long before he veered off the traditional path – drawn deeply into the world of jazz, soul, and R&B.

His early discovery of American gospel greats like Smokie Norful – artists who weren’t just masterful pianists but also powerful vocalists – inspired a deeper passion for both playing and singing. That influence led him to icons like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and D’Angelo: legends who built their songs from the keys up, crafting entire sonic worlds from the piano. It’s this lineage that flows through Stefan’s music – soulful, grounded, and effortlessly timeless.

Stefan Mahendra has sold out every headline show he has put on to date. His live journey began with a sold-out debut at PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Holborn in 2022, followed by multiple sold-out performances at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2023. That same year, he headlined The Lower Third in Soho to a sold-out crowd, confirming his growing reputation as a powerful live artist. Since then, Stefan’s profile has continued to rise internationally. In 2024, he opened for US soul sensation Jarrod Lawson on his UK tour, before supporting Death Row Records artist October London on his sold-out UK run in 2025. Later that year, he joined legendary soul group The Stylistics on their 24-date UK tour, performing to audiences across the country. Most recently, in February 2026, Stefan supported Joss Stone on her US West Coast tour – his biggest milestone to date. With a highly anticipated second EP set for release in March 2026, Stefan Mahendra continues to carve out his space as one of the most distinctive voices in modern R&B and Soul.

($10-$15 Tickets + Dice Fees | 8:30pm Show) Join Grown Folks at their residency here at the Century Room !

Who are “Grown Folks”?

More than just a band, Grown Folks is a Tucson “supergroup” that bridges the gap between classic traditions and modern grooves. The core trio features three of the region’s most formidable talents:

* Chris Peña: A local piano legend known for his soulful touch and sophisticated arrangements.

* TroyCov: A precision drummer who brings an unmistakable energy to the stage.

* Joshua “The Mad Scientist” Sailor: A bassist whose big deep pockets ground the group’s experimental edge.

What to Expect

True to their name, Grown Folks delivers “music for the soul”—a nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meal of sound that transcends simple genres. While their roots are firmly planted in Jazz, their monthly series will explore a rich tapestry of:

* Contemporary Jazz & Fusion: Tributes to icons like Marcus Miller and Robert Glasper.

* Old School R&B & Neo-Soul: Smooth, 80s and 90s-inspired grooves that get you moving.

* Classic Hip-Hop & Gospel: Rhythmic, spiritual influences that connect the mind, body, and soul.

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows)

Voodoo 5 is tour de force of arrangements for flute, steel guitar, mallet percussion and Latin rhythm section that perform a signature mix of exotica, Latin jazz and surf. Adding to the magic, powerhouse vocalist Lena Marie Cardinale joins the Voodoo 5 to deliver soulful, spine-tingling singing inspired by Yma Sumac.

For this performance, the band will perform the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Nino Rota, and Russ Meyer.

($5-$10 + DICE Fees | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s early show, stick around to send off Eric and Kenji on their trip to Japan, where they’ll be visiting their respective family farms and reuniting with loved ones! They’ll be back soon, but we will miss two of Tucson’s strongest jazz talents! Guarantee a seat by the stage with an advanced ticket – walkins are FREE for the lounge and bar!

($30-$40 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Named the youngest (and first female!) winner of Downbeat Critics’ Poll for “Rising Star – Vibraphone” in 2020, Sasha is returning to the Century Room with music from her latest release “Fantôme”.

Originally from San Francisco, composer, producer, and band leader Sasha Berliner began her musical journey as a rock drummer before discovering her passion for the vibraphone at Oakland School for the Arts. She moved to NYC in 2016 to study under Stefon Harris at The New School, a mentorship that profoundly shaped her artistic voice.

Sasha debuted on the NYC jazz scene at Winter Jazz Fest 2018, later performing at major festivals like Atlanta Jazz Fest. In 2019, she became the first U.S. recipient of the LetterOne “Rising Stars” Jazz Award, touring North America and releasing her acclaimed debut album Azalea, blending jazz, alternative, and political themes. Her groundbreaking work earned a nomination for JazzTimes’ “Best New Release.”

She has headlined global venues like Newport Jazz Festival and collaborated with artists such as Tyshawn Sorey and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Her second album, Onyx (2022), praised for its bold, analog-recorded compositions, topped multiple jazz charts. Currently a UC Irvine professor, Sasha continues to innovate with her new album, Fantome (2025), solidifying her as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.

Sasha Berliner (vibraphone) Angelo Versace (piano) COlin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)