($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) It’s the end of the year celebration! The University of Arizona’s Studio Jazz Ensemble and Concert Jazz Band will have end of the semester concerts in the Century Room!

6:30pm: UA CONCERT JAZZ BAND
Director: Ben Canfield

8pm: UA STUDIO JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Director:- Angelo Versace

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:00pm Doors) The UA Jazz Combos perform their End of the Year Concerts at the Century Room!

There are three combos this year:

6:30pm: Experiential Combo (directed by Jason Carder)

7:30pm: Explorations Combo (directed by Arthur Vint)

8:30pm: UA Jazz Ambassadors (directed by Brice Winston)

There are seperate tickets for each band, or a preferred ticket will get you a seat for all three bands!

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Nick Coventry, Matt Mitchell, Evan Dain & Marco Rosano form the swinging Hot Club of Tucson Trio! 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.

***”Hot Jazz Wednesdays”** take you back to the roots of jazz with music from the 1920s and ’30s. Every 2nd Wednesday is reserved for the Hot Club of Tucson, which performs French Jazz Manouche in the style of Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli. Every 4th Wednesday features Marco & The Polos performing music from New Orleans & Chicago.*

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) This December, vocalist Felíz Torralba returns to the Century Room for a holiday performance that blends jazz sophistication with Latin warmth. Feliz Navidad is a curated, 70-minute concert that reimagines classic Christmas songs and seasonal favorites through elegant arrangements and cinematic textures.

With her signature blend of intimacy and style, Felíz invites listeners into a space of connection and nostalgia — where bossa nova meets winter glow, and every song feels like a toast to the season.

Featuring an exceptional ensemble of Tucson’s finest musicians — Max Goldschmid (piano), Jeremy Anderson(trumpet), Matt Mitchell (guitar), Anteo Fabris (drums), and Thøger Tetens Lund (bass) — the evening promises to be a luminous celebration of live music, warmth, and timeless beauty.

A captivating jazz vocalist known for her soulful tone and refined storytelling, Felíz Torralba has become a leading voice in Tucson’s jazz scene. Her performances draw on a deep love of Latin rhythm, classic jazz, and cinematic mood, creating intimate experiences that feel both timeless and personal. Whether fronting a small ensemble or performing on a grand stage, Felíz brings elegance, authenticity, and emotional depth to every note.

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Celebrate the sparkle and sophistication of a classic Christmas as Tucson favorite Liz Cracchiolo and her swinging band bring Ella Fitzgerald’s beloved holiday album to life. Featuring beloved songs from the iconic holiday album, this show is a stylish tribute to the First Lady of Song. With her signature warmth, wit, and velvet vocals, Liz captures the joy, heart, and rhythm that made Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas a timeless classic.

Liz Cracchiolo (vocals) Jason Carder (trumpet) Ed Delucia (guitar) Scott Black (bass) Pete Swan (drums)

($20-$30 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Welcome back beloved NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal and his trio! They will be performing music from Rosenthal’s recent CD release “High Standards” showcasing his innovative takes on Songbook and Jazz Standards.

“Rosenthal’s brilliant arrangements transform familiar tunes into a new way of hearing and experiencing them. Elegant, sophisticated, joyful, gratifying… a great listen from a truly inspired artist.” – NYC Jazz Record, September 2025

“Trio playing today doesn’t get any better than this” – All About Jazz, April 2025

Ted Rosenthal is one of the leading jazz pianist and composers of his generation. He actively tours worldwide with his trio and as a soloist. He also has performed with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, and James Moody.

Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Rosenthal has released 19 CDs as a leader, including four new CDs in 2025, featuring his distinctive arrangements of the Great American Songbook, reimaginings of classical themes and original compositions. “Rhapsody in Gershwin,” which features his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for jazz trio, reached No. 1 in jazz album sales on iTunes and Amazon.

($10-$15 + Dice fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with saxophonist Victor Gutierrez and his band as he hosts his Birthday Bash !!

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 4pm doors | 4:30pm show) Guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman and Adam Levy join forces for an afternoon of soulful, roots-infused, jazz tinged instrumentals at The Century Room. Known for their work with artists like Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, and Fiona Apple, both Hinman and Levy bring deep musicality and effortless groove to the stage. Their interplay is equal parts conversation and competition as they explore original tunes and reimagined classics in their signature “Rich Hinman vs. Adam Levy” format. Rounding out the band are Bailey Zick on bass and Arthur Vint on drums, two of Arizona’s finest rhythm section players.

($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!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Century Room holiday tradition, the Century Jazz Orchestra will be playing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite plus other Ellington classics!

THE NUTCRACKER SUITE

The original cover for the 1960 big band album, “The Nutcracker Suite,” presented three people as the authors, all with equal font size and inhabiting the same line: “Ellington. Strayhorn. Tchaikovsky.” It was as if to announce a convergence of historical import, like a world summit or long-awaited crossover comic. This was not just any old Christmas album, that commercial phenomenon of repackaging holiday hits. By adapting Tchaikovsky’s score for jazz orchestra, Ellington was poised to both widen the appeal of his band and cement his status as a genius composer.

THE 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. 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!

( 15-25$ + Dice fees | 6:30pm Show) Three virtuoso guitars unleashing the power of tango!

TGP invites audiences to experience the power, energy, and elegance of tango, reimagined for three guitars. Their unique formation—a trio of classically trained guitarists are rarely seen in the U.S. Performances feature a virtuoso interpretations of classics like “Libertango” and “La Cumparsita” with spontaneous improvisation and exhilarating arrangements that make every concert a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The Tango Guitar Project brings together three world-class classical guitarists from three countries. Led by Maxi Larrea (Argentina)—award-winning tango guitarist, composer,and author of a recently published tango guitar book—the trio also features Misael Barraza-Díaz (México), a flamenco virtuoso with ten international competition wins, and Andrés Pantoja (Chile), an acclaimed guitarist with multiple international awards and recorded albums.

($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!

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Tucson holiday tradition! Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room!

The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.

This show is 16+, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All children 18 and under are 1/2 price!

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Tucson holiday tradition! Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room!

The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.

This show is 16+, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All children 18 and under are 1/2 price!

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Tucson holiday tradition! Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room!

The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.

This show is 16+, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All children 18 and under are 1/2 price!

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Tucson holiday tradition! Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room!

The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.

This show is 16+, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All children 18 and under are 1/2 price!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Century Room holiday tradition, the Century Jazz Orchestra will be playing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite plus other Ellington classics!

THE NUTCRACKER SUITE

The original cover for the 1960 big band album, “The Nutcracker Suite,” presented three people as the authors, all with equal font size and inhabiting the same line: “Ellington. Strayhorn. Tchaikovsky.” It was as if to announce a convergence of historical import, like a world summit or long-awaited crossover comic. This was not just any old Christmas album, that commercial phenomenon of repackaging holiday hits. By adapting Tchaikovsky’s score for jazz orchestra, Ellington was poised to both widen the appeal of his band and cement his status as a genius composer.

THE 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. 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!

($25-$35 + taxes and fees | 6:30pm show) In one of Tucson’s most intimate venues, experience the rawness and authenticity flamenco has to offer on the Century Room Stage with Tucson’s premiere Flamenco Group TUCSONIQUETE!

***Angelina Ramirez is a flamenco movement artist and teaching artist based in Tucson, Arizona. Her work explores queer, Latinx identity in traditional flamenco dance and focuses on arts and healing, particularly for elders and autistic individuals. She promotes accessibility, fights ableism and racism, and curates the Traditional and Ethnic Dance Festival for the Southwest Folklife Alliance.***

***Misael Barraza Diaz is a distinguished Mexican guitarist who graduated with honors from the Master in Guitar Alicante and obtained a second Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts and studies under renowned artists such as David Russell, Sergio Assad, and Odair Assad.***

***With***

***Jason Martinez (cajon)***

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm) Multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid leads our annual Jazz Jam Before Christmas! House band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam. We are doing TWO SEATINGS this year, so we will turn the house after 75 minutes of music. Musicians who sit in get in free!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Century Room favoritre and triple threat Benny Benack III returns for a FOUR night residency! Performing Friday & Saturday with his Quintet, sitting in on the jam session on Sunday and fronting the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra on Monday!

“A trumpeter, vocalist, writer and arranger with a swaggering soul and the chops to back up the panache.” — allaboutjazz.com

Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III (BBIII) has quickly become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed live album “This Is The Life,” which has been garnering thousands of streams and topping the JazzWeek Radio Charts. He is the rare talent who is formidable as a fiery trumpeter — ranging from Freddie Hubbard to Louis Armstrong and everyone in between — while as a singer he delivers sly, mature, naturally expressive post-Sinatra vocal stylings.

His sophomore album “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (2020) featured the likes of bass luminary Christian McBride, achieving viral online fame w/his vocalese rendition of “Social Call,” ft. Veronica Swift, which has been transcribed and covered by singers around the world. He has crooned his way to millions more listeners alongside groups such as the Grammy-winning “8-Bit Big Band” and YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”. His 2023 album “Third Time’s the Charm” went all the way to #2 on the charts, and featured a notable line-up of special guests such as Peter Bernstein, Bria Skonberg, Chad LB, and more.

Benny’s double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonius Monk Competition on trumpet, before going on to win Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered by Downbeat Magazine’s Readers Poll for 2025, where he placed #1 for Rising Star Male Vocalist, and was also #8 for Rising Star Trumpet.

BBIII’s global recognition has been bolstered by his collaborations with the GRAMMY-award winning “8-Bit Big Band,” as well as touring with Postmodern Jukebox. The recent advent of live-streaming concerts has also proved a boon, both through his residency at Smalls Jazz Club, and frequent appearances at fellow superstar Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. Benny has established himself as one of the most in-demand touring artists and music educators in the Jazz world, with a seemingly unending intercontinental schedule reflecting his indefatigable love for the music, and with his smile and panache ever on display wherever he goes.

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Century Room favoritre and triple threat Benny Benack III returns for a FOUR night residency! Performing Friday & Saturday with his Quintet, sitting in on the jam session on Sunday and fronting the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra on Monday!

“A trumpeter, vocalist, writer and arranger with a swaggering soul and the chops to back up the panache.” — allaboutjazz.com

Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III (BBIII) has quickly become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed live album “This Is The Life,” which has been garnering thousands of streams and topping the JazzWeek Radio Charts. He is the rare talent who is formidable as a fiery trumpeter — ranging from Freddie Hubbard to Louis Armstrong and everyone in between — while as a singer he delivers sly, mature, naturally expressive post-Sinatra vocal stylings.

His sophomore album “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (2020) featured the likes of bass luminary Christian McBride, achieving viral online fame w/his vocalese rendition of “Social Call,” ft. Veronica Swift, which has been transcribed and covered by singers around the world. He has crooned his way to millions more listeners alongside groups such as the Grammy-winning “8-Bit Big Band” and YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”. His 2023 album “Third Time’s the Charm” went all the way to #2 on the charts, and featured a notable line-up of special guests such as Peter Bernstein, Bria Skonberg, Chad LB, and more.

Benny’s double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonius Monk Competition on trumpet, before going on to win Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered by Downbeat Magazine’s Readers Poll for 2025, where he placed #1 for Rising Star Male Vocalist, and was also #8 for Rising Star Trumpet.

BBIII’s global recognition has been bolstered by his collaborations with the GRAMMY-award winning “8-Bit Big Band,” as well as touring with Postmodern Jukebox. The recent advent of live-streaming concerts has also proved a boon, both through his residency at Smalls Jazz Club, and frequent appearances at fellow superstar Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. Benny has established himself as one of the most in-demand touring artists and music educators in the Jazz world, with a seemingly unending intercontinental schedule reflecting his indefatigable love for the music, and with his smile and panache ever on display wherever he goes.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with swinging drummer Calvin Simmers and his band!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Century Room favoritre and triple threat Benny Benack III returns to front the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra on Monday! He’ll be singing, swinging and blowing trumpet in frotn of Tucson’s premiere big band!

“A trumpeter, vocalist, writer and arranger with a swaggering soul and the chops to back up the panache.” — allaboutjazz.com

Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III (BBIII) has quickly become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed live album “This Is The Life,” which has been garnering thousands of streams and topping the JazzWeek Radio Charts. He is the rare talent who is formidable as a fiery trumpeter — ranging from Freddie Hubbard to Louis Armstrong and everyone in between — while as a singer he delivers sly, mature, naturally expressive post-Sinatra vocal stylings.

His sophomore album “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (2020) featured the likes of bass luminary Christian McBride, achieving viral online fame w/his vocalese rendition of “Social Call,” ft. Veronica Swift, which has been transcribed and covered by singers around the world. He has crooned his way to millions more listeners alongside groups such as the Grammy-winning “8-Bit Big Band” and YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”. His 2023 album “Third Time’s the Charm” went all the way to #2 on the charts, and featured a notable line-up of special guests such as Peter Bernstein, Bria Skonberg, Chad LB, and more.

Benny’s double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonius Monk Competition on trumpet, before going on to win Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered by Downbeat Magazine’s Readers Poll for 2025, where he placed #1 for Rising Star Male Vocalist, and was also #8 for Rising Star Trumpet.

BBIII’s global recognition has been bolstered by his collaborations with the GRAMMY-award winning “8-Bit Big Band,” as well as touring with Postmodern Jukebox. The recent advent of live-streaming concerts has also proved a boon, both through his residency at Smalls Jazz Club, and frequent appearances at fellow superstar Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. Benny has established himself as one of the most in-demand touring artists and music educators in the Jazz world, with a seemingly unending intercontinental schedule reflecting his indefatigable love for the music, and with his smile and panache ever on display wherever he goes.

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Ring in the New Year a night early with Katherine Byrnes as she presents a special New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration on Monday, December 30 at The Century Room! One of Tucson’s most beloved vocalists, Byrnes brings her signature blend of glamour, soul, and sophistication to this festive evening. Performing a sparkling set of lush melodies and dreamy textures with Ryan Alfred, Thøger Lund, Angelo Versace, and Casey Hadland, Byrnes creates the perfect atmosphere for those looking to celebrate in style—without the chaos of New Year’s Eve crowds.

Skip the madness and join us for an elegant evening of live music, cozy cocktails, and good cheer as we count down to “midnight” a day early. Whether you’re out for a date night, a gathering with friends, or just a chance to raise a glass in good company, Katherine Byrnes’ New Year’s Eve Eve show promises to close out 2025 on a high note. Dress up, drink up, and celebrate early at The Century Room!