($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.

($10-$20 + DICE Fees | 6:30pm Show) Welcome back Bisbee-based early jazz experts Juniper Djinn to the Century Room!

JUNIPER DJINN

Clarinet dreamscapes amongst a sea of melodious waltzes, the billowing sounds of early American jazz, gypsy jazz, and Balkan folk music make up the core sounds of Juniper Djinn. The duos originals reflect a familiar feeling of 30s & 40s nostalgia and timeless tunes ingrained deep within traditional American and European jazz. The duo is best known for their live performances in which they play an array of genres spanning across decades of time and regularly features other musicians from across the globe.

Singer, clarinet player, and rhythm guitarist Jessica Fleet is the main vocal of the group with a voice that has been described as an angel and a demon singing in harmony with her powerful vocals, dynamic vocal range, and deep growl. Famed Baby Gramps quoted her as his “favorite singer” and compared her to the great Bessie Johnson. “That voice is a force of nature and hearing it’s a bright balm shining like a birth cake emerging from a dark wood”. – Charlie Unhau

Multi-instrumentalist Bill Stoller is the other half of the duo with his incredible, studious guitar playing, rhythmic accompaniment, accordion and upright bass on the duos albums. With over a decade of experience playing in different bands and touring Juniper Djinn brings a transformative atmosphere of sound and musicians with each and every show.

($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.