($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Drummer & percussionist Aaron Szabo (Zona Libre, TLJN, et al) brings us “Los Esquineros”, a Latin jazz project co-led with pianist Amilicar Guevara. Expect a blend of of Brazlian, Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms mixed with jazz melodies. Two sets at 6:30pm & 8pm!

($15-$25 + DICE fees | 6:30 Show) Come check out saxophonist Simeon Roth as he debuts new original music with a swinging Quintet! Featuring Caemron Davidson (trumpet) Denali Hershey Kauffman (piano) Colin McIlrath (bass) Keni Lancaster (drums)

($10-$15 Tickets | 8:30pm-10:30pm) 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 rotating Vortex 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. The Century Room’s Viscount Legend Soul is provided courtesy of the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation.

This week features Chris Peña and his band! They’ll play an opening set at 8:30pm followed by a jam session! Musicians who sit in get in free.

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Uniting two of the most dynamic forces in contemporary jazz, Ron Jackson and Eric Person bring their distinctive styles to the forefront with “NYC Jazz Stories.” Seven-string guitar virtuoso Ron Jackson is a world-renowned performer, composer, and educator who has graced stages in over 30 countries. Known for his artistry and innovation, Jackson’s career highlights include producing and performing on Kevin Powell’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated album, Grocery Shopping With My Mother. With more than 10 albums as a leader, including the critically acclaimed Standards and My Songs (2022), Jackson is celebrated as one of the few master jazz guitarists specializing in both six- and seven-string instruments.

Eric Person, an acclaimed saxophonist and composer, has performed with jazz legends such as McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland, and Chico Hamilton. A prolific bandleader, Person heads multiple ensembles, including the Eric Person Quartet and Big Band. With 12 albums as a leader, his latest release, Rhythm Edge (2024), showcases his unique sound and compositional prowess. A fixture on prestigious stages worldwide, Person is also dedicated to jazz education, serving as an adjunct saxophone instructor at Bard College.

Accompanied by a solid rhythm section of Arthur Vint-Drums and Chris Pena-Organ, these NYC-based jazz powerhouses combine their talents for an electrifying journey through the sounds and stories of jazz. From iconic venues like Birdland and Zinc Bar to international jazz festivals, their collaboration is a celebration of innovation, tradition, and artistry.

“Jackson is a master of the seven-string, which puts him in the ranks of a select few.” – Adam Perlmutter, JazzTimes

“Person is more than fine; he’s a major talent of his generation.” – Russ Musto, All About Jazz

Eric Person (alto sax) Ron Jackson (7-string guitar) Chris Peña (organ) Arthur Vint (drums)

($10-$15 + taxes & fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with vocalist Lexa Raquel and her band plaaying a blend of funky soul, R&B and jazz.

(Ticketing handled by Arizona Arts Live | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Arizona Arts Live & Center Stage present Egyptian oud master Mohamed Abozekry in a moving evening filled with unbridled imagination and improvisation.

https://arizonaartslive.com/mohamed-abozekry

“With brilliant, inventive virtuosity that goes far beyond technical mastery…Abozekry’s compositions are interwoven with jazz, Arabic modes, and swirling ardor.” – Le Monde (France)

Mohamed Abozekry is one of today’s most exciting and creative musicians. Born in Cairo, Abozekry is a master of the oud — a beautiful, pear-shaped string instrument often called the “grandfather of the guitar.” Blending the sounds of his homeland with jazz, classical, and world music, Mohamed Abozekry creates something completely his own. His music feels both ancient and new, carrying the soul of Egypt.

With a talented group of six musicians from two continents (Camille Maussion on saxophone; George Nabil on keyboards; André Segone on bass; Ahmed Aly on percussion; Kerdani on drums; and Mohamed Abozekry on the Oud and vocals), Mohamed Abozekry’s performance is a powerful journey through improvisation, rhythm, and emotion. This is a rare chance to experience a modern master reimagining centuries-old traditions in thrilling, unexpected ways.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm sets) After Saturday night’s show, join guitarist Matt Mitchell & his band for Late Night! $2 off Reimanged Classic Cocktails.

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 4pm doors | 4:30pm show) Drummer Devin Gray makes his Tucson debut and is joined by trumpet player Jason Carder and pianist Arsen Nalbandian.

DEVIN GRAY

‭Devin Gray (1983, Portland Maine, USA)‬‭ is a distinguished drummer, composer, and bandleader‬ known for his innovative contributions to contemporary jazz. Since relocating to New York City in‬ 2006, Gray has become a prominent figure in the jazz community, collaborating with esteemed‬ musicians such as David Liebman, Gary Thomas, Tony Malaby, and Nate Wooley. He currently‬ divides his time between Brooklyn and Berlin, engaging with diverse musical scenes.‬

Gray’s discography as a leader showcases his versatility and commitment to pushing musical‬ boundaries. His debut album, “Dirigo Rataplan” (2012), featured notable artists Ellery Eskelin,‬ Dave Ballou, and Michael Formanek, and was praised for its complex and intimate compositions.‭ He continued this trajectory with “RelativE ResonancE” (2015), collaborating with Chris Speed, Kris Davis, and Chris T ordini, further establishing his reputation as a forward-thinking composer.‬

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($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!

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) 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!

Some of the musicians you can expect to see on Mondays:

Arthur Vint, Pete Swan, Kenji Lancaster, Fred Hayes (drums) Colin McIlrath, Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace, Chris Peña, Peter Saxe (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Tim Buechler (bari sax) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addit Smith, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz, Jason Carder (trumpet).