($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.

($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.

($10-$15 + 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!

($30-$40 tickets + taxes & 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.

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with saxophonist Ryan Wheless and his band! Guarantee a seat by the stage with an advanced ticket – walkins are FREE for the lounge and bar!

Ryan Wheless (sax) Alassane Diarra (keys) Colin Mcllrath (bass) TroyCov (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!

($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 Pima Community College Big Band during the first set, under the direction of Scott Black, featuring jazz standards performed from a variety of periods in big band style.

The second set features 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!

($10-$20 + DICE Fees | 6:30pm Show) Welcome back Bisbee-based early jazz experts Juniper Djinn to the Century Room! Featuring Jessica Fleet (guitar, clarinet and vocals) Bill Stoller (guitar and accordian) Wolfgang Wang (piano) Slim Tighe (bass)

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. This special evening, the duo brings their singular lens to the music of Hoagy Carmichael, one of America’s most beloved and enduring songwriters. Known for classics that sit at the crossroads of Tin Pan Alley, jazz, and American folk sentiment, Carmichael’s songbook is a natural home for Juniper Djinn’s sound. The duo’s 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 duo’s 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) Space Travelers Union Presents: Mark Ferguson, Greg Saunier, Ryan Wheless, Colin Mcilrath

Space Travelers Union is a creative-musician collective formed in the Arizona desert through the meeting of composition, improvisation, and electronic signal. The project has reached international audiences through BBC6, Radio France’s FIP, JazzFM, and Gilles Peterson’s WorldwideFM, with additional recognition from Bandcamp’s “New and Notable” and YouTube Music’s Jazz Hotlist.

This performance features:

Mark Ferguson (Saxophone + Electronics)

Greg Saunier (Drums)

Ryan Wheless (Saxophone + Synthesizer)

Colin McIlrath (Bass)

This performance is presented as part of the ongoing Space Travelers Union Presents residency at the Century Room.

($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A centennial reflection on Miles Davis, one of the most transformative figures in twentieth-century music, led by acclaimed historian Ashley Kahn. From the cool restraint of Birth of the Cool through the modal innovations of Kind of Blue to the electric upheaval of Bitches Brew, Davis continually redefined the language of jazz, assembling forward-looking ensembles and reshaping the role of the bandleader as curator, catalyst, and disruptor.

Ashley Kahn:

Born in the Bronx and educated at Columbia University, Kahn has built a career documenting the inner workings of landmark recordings and the artists behind them. His work includes definitive books on Kind of Blue and A Love Supreme, as well as Grammy-winning liner notes for Offering: Live at Temple University and Miles ’55: The Prestige Recordings. His writing combines historical precision with close attention to the musical decisions that shaped these recordings.

This program situates Davis’s work within a broader musical and social context, examining how each phase of his career reframed improvisation, production, and audience expectation. Through Kahn’s perspective, the music emerges as a continuous process of reinvention. For this performance, Kahn will be joined by Jason Carder (trumpet) Morani Sanders (trumpet) Cameron Davidson (trumpet) Max Goldschmid (trumpet) Angelo Versace (piano) Colin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with legendary Tucson bassist Colin McIlrath and his band of freewheeling jazz artists! 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)

Trumpeter, vocalist, and percussionist Pete Rodríguez carries the bloodline of Nuyorican salsa as he takes his unique brand of jazz to exciting new places. Son of salsa singer Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez and godson of Fania Records bandleader Johnny Pacheco, Rodríguez cut his teeth playing with some of the greatest names in Latin music.

By age 19, he was musical director of his father’s band. As a vocalist, he sang on Tito Puente’s Grammy-award winning Mambo Birdland. As an instrumentalist, he’s appeared with legends including Celia Cruz, Chico O’Farrill, Bebo Valdez and Eddie Palmieri, including performing on the Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project’s Grammy-winning release, Simpatico.

As a bandleader, Rodríguez draws on his diverse upbringing—including living through the birth of Hip Hop in the Bronx and becoming an accomplished classical trumpeter as an adolescent in Puerto Rico—to create his own brand of jazz that defies categorization. ”

Rodríguez showcases remarkable chops, the notes flying from his horn in rapid, fluid succession … [he] needn’t worry about being obscured by his dad’s legacy – he’s an instrumental and compositional powerhouse with creativity and soul to spare.” (Jazziz).

His music demonstrates his aptitude for hard-driving, modern post-bop jazz, as much as melodic Latin variants and R&B-tinged grooves. Rodríguez has released a series of acclaimed albums as a leader, including Mind Trip, The Alchemist, Caminando con Papi (Destiny Records), El Conde Negro (Destiny Records), Obstacles (Sunnyside Records), and his most recent, I’m Pete Rodríguez, Vol. 1 (Sunnyside Records), named one of the Best of 2024 by the New York City Jazz Record. His forthcoming I’m Pete Rodríguez, Vol. 2 continues his exploration of identity, resilience, and innovation.

Band Lineup

Pete Rodriguez (trumpet & percussion) Raul Reyes (bass) Angelo Versace (piano) Julian Miltenberger (drums)

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with drummer Joshua Carruthers and his band. Guarantee a seat by the stage with an advanced ticket – walkins are FREE for the lounge and bar!

($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) Vocalist Annamarie Smith-Butz fronts the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra!

ANNAMARIE SMITH-BUTZ

A passionate interpreter of the Great American Songbook, Annamarie is known for her warm, luminous voice & deeply heartfelt performances. With a mission to preserve & reimagine timeless standards, she brings emotional authenticity & vocal elegance to every stage she graces.

Captivating audiences around the world—from renowned venues like Don’t Tell Mama & Birdland in New York City, The Side Door at the Palladium in St. Petersburg, FL to Holland America Line cruises— her performances resonate with intimacy, storytelling, & soul. Annamarie also lends her voice to meaningful causes, headlining benefit concerts in support of arts education, mental health, social justice, & humanitarian relief.

Her musical roots run deep, shaped by early piano & voice studies, decades of musical theatre experience & formative years as a church cantor. These influences inform her expressive phrasing & signature sense of connection.

For Annamarie, each performance is more than a show—it’s a conversation. A moment to feel, remember, & connect. With grace, passion, & open-hearted joy, she continues to carry the torch of America’s classic vocal tradition.

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!

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Multi-instrumentalist Marco Rosano leads Marco & The Polos through a swingin’ night of traditional New Orleans jazz! Expect Marco to play bass sax, clarinet, piano, and more…

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) Come to the Century Room this Thursday at 6:30pm 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 the Leslie 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 Doc Holladay & SOUL ORGANization bringing boogaloo, funk, soul and more!

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm Show) Alex Oliverio’s Sunshine Ensemble brings a unique blend of Americana, folk, and jazz to Tucson’s Century Room, featuring guitarist Alex Oliverio. They offer warm, textured, and often improvised performances, featuring pedal steel and eclectic instrumentation, showcasing a distinct Southwestern sound.

Alex Oliverio is a guitarist from Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated with a bachelors degree in Jazz Performance at Arizona State University in 2013. During his time at ASU, Alex competed in numerous composition competitions and succeeded in winning the student, faculty, and guest artist pick for three separate compositions. After graduating from ASU, Alex published a book examining improvisations by Lee Konitz and released a debut CD with his group Nautabot. In 2015, he moved to Seattle and earned his masters degree in Improvised Music from the University of Washington. Alex is currently faculty at Arizona State University and Paradise Valley Community College.

($20-30 + DICE Fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Vocalist Felíz Torralba performs at The Century Room joined by a rotating cast of guest artists throughout the evening.

The set moves fluidly between jazz standards, Latin influences, popular music and spontaneous collaboration, creating a dynamic, one-night-only performance centered around feel, interplay, and musical chemistry.

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 10:30ppm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for late night with saxophonist Victor Gutierrez and his band! Guarantee a seat by the stage with an advanced ticket – walkins are FREE for the lounge and bar!

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Vocalist Jonathan Karrant returns to the Century Room for his third appearance! Based in Las Vegas, Karrant has been hailed as one of the great interpreters of the Great American Songbook. For this show Jonathan will explore the songs of Johnny Mercer, who was resonsible for the lyrics to classic songs like “The Days of Wine & Roses,” “Come Rain or Come Shine”, “Autumn Leaves” and “I’m An Old Cowhand!”

Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jonathan began performing publicly as a child and refined his craft through theatre and music studies, including at the prestigious William Esper Studio in New York City. Early highlights include performing with the Metropolitan Opera in productions like Aida, sharing the stage with legends such as Luciano Pavarotti.

Jonathan’s career flourished in Las Vegas and San Diego, where he became a staple of jazz and supper clubs, collaborating with renowned musicians like pianist Vince Falcone. His acclaimed album On and On reached #4 on the jazz charts, with standout tracks like “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” and “Doodlin’.” Critics praise his smooth tone and storytelling, with Jazz Corner calling him “a great interpreter of song.”

Jonathan has performed across the U.S. and Europe, captivating audiences with his signature phrasing and heartfelt connection to music. A Bravo San Diego “Best Singer” award recipient, he remains a modern voice for the Great American Songbook, celebrating the enduring magic of jazz.

*“A voice, romantic without being cloying, warm but not forced, Karrant carries songs with an emotional weight that reaches your very soul” – Jazz Corner*

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with swinging trumpeter and vocalist Cameron Davidson and his band. Guarantee a seat by the stage with an advanced ticket – walkins are FREE for the lounge and bar!

($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!

($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Tonight features very special guest Jonathan Karrant as he sings through the Great American Songbook! The CJO performs an instrumental set following at 8pm.

JONATHAN KARRANT

Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, he began performing publicly as a child and refined his craft through theatre and music studies, including at the prestigious William Esper Studio in New York City. Early highlights include performing with the Metropolitan Opera in productions like Aida, sharing the stage with legends such as Luciano Pavarotti.

Jonathan’s career flourished in Las Vegas and San Diego, where he became a staple of jazz clubs and supper lounges, collaborating with renowned musicians like pianist Vince Falcone. His acclaimed album On and On reached #4 on the jazz charts, with standout tracks like “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” and “Doodlin’.” Critics praise his smooth tone and storytelling, with Jazz Corner calling him “a great interpreter of song.”

Jonathan has performed across the U.S. and Europe, captivating audiences with his signature phrasing and heartfelt connection to music. A Bravo San Diego “Best Singer” award recipient, he remains a modern voice for the Great American Songbook, celebrating the enduring magic of jazz.