($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.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Hailed as “Virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone” by the New York Times, Grammy-Winning Juilliard graduates and identical twin brothers Peter and Will Anderson present the life and music of the iconic American composer Irving Berlin. Songs will include “Cheek to Cheek,” “Blue Skies,” “Putin’ on the Ritz,” and “Always.” Born and raised in Washington, DC, the Andersons have headlined the Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, live on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, and can be heard on the Grammy-winning soundtrack of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks. They received a 2014 Drama Desk nomination for their off-Broadway production of “Le Jazz Hot” and won a 2018 Bistro Award.

For this concert they will celebrate the timeless genius of Irving Berlin. From the infectious swagger of Alexander’s Ragtime Band to the elegant charm of Cheek to Cheek and the bittersweet longing of How Deep Is the Ocean?, this concert journeys through Berlin’s unparalleled catalog of hits. You’ll also hear the buoyant optimism of Blue Skies and the sophisticated swing of Puttin’ On the Ritz, performed by a stellar ensemble that brings fresh energy and heartfelt storytelling to these enduring classics.

WIll & Pete Anderson (saxophones) Peter Saxe (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Ashley Pezzotti is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, blending the elegance, rhythmic sophistication, and infectious joy of the great jazz vocalists who came before her. Pezzotti has already made her mark, touring and recording with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), and icons such as Arturo Sandoval, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and piano prodigy Joey Alexander.

Born to Dominican roots, Ashley crafts original compositions in both English and Spanish, weaving a timeless blend of melodies that echo the classic jazz standards she so effortlessly interprets. Her silky smooth, rich voice and impressive artistry have also taken her to prestigious venues around the world, further solidifying her reputation as an international force in jazz.

Her unique vocal mastery has earned rave reviews, with JLCO trumpeter and arranger Marcus Printup calling her a “singer’s singer” who not only delivers classic standards and original work with ease but also effortlessly holds her own in the world of scat singing, rivaling the skills of any horn player. With a stage presence that captivates and a voice that commands attention, Ashley brings fresh, compelling interpretations to both timeless tunes and hidden gems.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with Los Esquineros! Expect a blend of of Brazlian, Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms mixed with jazz melodies.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) Presented by Ocho Vago and the Agave Heritage Festival. Feel the energy of Tucson’s premiere Salsa band Zona Libre as they light up the Century Room to celebrate the end of the 2026 Agave Heritage Festival! Led by bandleader Hiram Perez, Zona Libre delivers fiery grooves and irresistible rhythms from across Latin America including Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and more with a jazz flair.

The Agave Heritage Festival is a four-day celebration in Tucson, AZ, the destination for “all things agave”. Created to explore the cultural, sustainable, and commercial significance of the agave plant and borderland culture, the festival features an impressive list of events with a strong focus on sustainability. Events include seminars, agave pit roasting, agave spirit tastings and world class culinary events conducted by industry leaders, culinary leaders and spirits professionals.

More information on the Agave Heritage Festival here: www.agaveheritagefestival.com