Century Room

 A BORDERLANDS JAZZ CLUB & MEZCAL LOUNGE

Featuring local & national musical acts, ancestral small batch mezcals, craft cocktails, regional beer, wine & small plates.

Monday: Century Room Jazz Orchestra; Tuesday Acoustic & Ambient Series; Wednesday Traditional Jazz; Thursday Pete Swan Presents & Late Night; Friday: Signature Concert Series; Saturday Solo Series & Late Night; Sundays: Matinees & Jazz JamSee full schedule & purchase tickets below.
Reserved tickets in our front listening section are available for all shows.
The musicians and your fellow audience members thank you for
keeping your conversations to a quiet minimum during the performances!
For booking & general inquiries, email centuryroom@hotelcongress.com

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The Century Room Hotel Congress Downtown Tucson

Upcoming Events



Today

Mysterious Babies Traditional Jazz Band

Mysterious Babies Traditional Jazz Band

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) Guy Senese leads the Mysterious Babies in the tradition of Armstrong, Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and other Early Jazz innovators out of New Orleans & Chicago.... Read more

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) Guy Senese leads the Mysterious Babies in the tradition of Armstrong, Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and other Early Jazz innovators out of New Orleans & Chicago. The band starts at 7pm, followed by a trad jazz jam session. Every Wednesday!

To sit in our listening section by the stage, be sure to buy a reserved ticket! The rest of the room is open to the general public…dancing encouraged!

Pete Swan Presents!: Max Goldschmid

Pete Swan Presents!: Max Goldschmid

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come grab a drink and catch the Max Goldschmid... Read more

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come grab a drink and catch the Max Goldschmid Quartet!

Come out and spend an evening mesmerized by the virtuosic talent of Max Goldschmid.

Max is a uniquely gifted musician that can play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, French horn and many others. He has competed nationally in the Carmine Caruso trumpet competition and amazes anyone who hears him.

Max Goldschmid – Horns, Saxes

Chris Peña – Piano

Scott Black – Bass

Pete Swan – Drums

Ted Rosenthal Trio: Rhapsody In Gershwin

Ted Rosenthal Trio: Rhapsody In Gershwin

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Esteemed NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal celebrates the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue!” Rosenthal has performed “Rhapsody in Blue” solo and with symphonic and... Read more

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Esteemed NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal celebrates the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue!” Rosenthal has performed “Rhapsody in Blue” solo and with symphonic and jazz orchestras. Now he presents a version for jazz trio plus many more Gershwin classics!

Ted Rosenthal (piano) Ben Hedquist (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

**Ted Rosenthal** is one of the leading jazz pianist/composers of his generation. He actively tours worldwide with his trio, as a soloist, and 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 fifteen CDs as a leader. Rhapsody in Gershwin, which features his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for jazz trio, reached #1 in jazz album sales at iTunes and Amazon. Wonderland, was selected as a New York Times holiday pick, and received much critical praise: “Sleek, chic and elegant” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune. Impromptu, showcases his reimaginings of classical themes for jazz trio. “A serious listen to Impromptu will be a mind-changing experience…sit back and enjoy these wonderfully creative takes on ten compositions from the classical canon that have never sounded so cool.” – Elliott Simon, AllAboutJazz

Rosenthal’s solo album, The 3 B’s, received 4 stars from DownBeat magazine. It features music of Bud Powell, Bill Evans and his improvisations on Beethoven themes. “In Rosenthal’s hands all this music sounds as though it sprang from the same muse, and that’s the sign of a skilled, imaginative artist.” – David R. Adler, All Music Guide.

Late Night with Space Traveler’s Union

Late Night with Space Traveler’s Union

(No Cover | 10:30pm show) Join the Space Traveler’s Union for their First Friday Monthly Late Night! Spearheaded by Ryan Wheless, a Berklee dropout who moved to Tucson, Space Travelers Union is... Read more

(No Cover | 10:30pm show) Join the Space Traveler’s Union for their First Friday Monthly Late Night!

Spearheaded by Ryan Wheless, a Berklee dropout who moved to Tucson, Space Travelers Union is a jazz fusion project with strong contemporary influences, such as Pop Smoke, John Coltrane, and the Flagstaff, Arizona jam band “Righteous Harmony”.

Cocktail Hour with Freddy Jay Walker

Cocktail Hour with Freddy Jay Walker

($10 Reserved / No Cover GA | 6:30pm-8:30pm) Welcome guitarist Freddy Jay & Andre Cota for a duo set during happy hour in the Century Room! Freddy Jay Walker, an accomplished composer,... Read more

($10 Reserved / No Cover GA | 6:30pm-8:30pm) Welcome guitarist Freddy Jay & Andre Cota for a duo set during happy hour in the Century Room!

Freddy Jay Walker, an accomplished composer, musician, director, model, and actor, embarked on a fascinating journey that led him from the world of pharmaceuticals to his true calling in the arts. Driven by an insatiable passion for music, Freddy’s self-taught talents as a performer, composer, and arranger blossomed at a young age, earning him recognition from esteemed Oscar and Emmy-winning figures in the industry.

As a multifaceted artist, Jay has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects throughout his career. From collaborating with prestigious brands such as Top Golf, Vantage West, and O’Reilly Chevrolet, he has always remained grateful for the opportunities that have come his way, while eagerly anticipating the ones yet to unfold. Along his artistic journey, Freddy has embraced the philosophy of leaving a lasting positive impression wherever he goes. His unwavering focus on delivering exceptional value and solving problems for others underscores his approach to business, transcending mere transactions and cultivating genuine relationships with clients.

Freddy firmly believes in the power of originality and the importance of allowing one’s uniqueness to shine through their craft. With an unwavering commitment to professionalism and a relentless pursuit of quality, he understands that true success lies not solely in making a sale, but in fostering genuine connections and leaving a lasting impact on those he collaborates with. By showcasing the beauty of originality and offering a personalized touch in his compositions, Freddy elevates his artistry and resonates deeply with audiences and clients alike.

In Freddy’s view, his role as a composer extends beyond creating music; it is about touching hearts, evoking emotions, and crafting soundscapes that enrich the stories they accompany. With an innate ability to translate narratives into captivating musical compositions, he weaves intricate melodies and harmonies that bring depth and dimension to visual media. His dedication to his craft, combined with his strong business acumen and genuine care for his clients, sets him apart as a sought-after composer in the industry.

Freddy Jay Walker is an artist who embodies the transformative power of music, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, and forging meaningful connections through his compositions. His unique blend of talent, professionalism, and passion fuels his journey as he continues to captivate audiences and inspire fellow artists. With every project, Freddy leaves an indelible mark, reminding us all of the profound impact that music can have on our lives.

Paul Green Jazz Blues Quartet

Paul Green Jazz Blues Quartet

($10-$15 tickets | 9pm show) Join us for Late Night with the Paul Green Jazz Blues Quartet! Paul Green (harmonica) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Colin McIlrath (bass) Casey Hadland (drums) Read more

($10-$15 tickets | 9pm show) Join us for Late Night with the Paul Green Jazz Blues Quartet!

Paul Green (harmonica) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Colin McIlrath (bass) Casey Hadland (drums)

AHF Presents Agave Spirits Tasting: Spirits of the North

AHF Presents Agave Spirits Tasting: Spirits of the North

($40 per guest | 4pm Doors / 4:30pm Tasting) Agave Heritage Festival presents agave spirits tasting, every 1st Sunday! Join Francisco Terrazas, Programming Director for the Agave Heritage Festival, for an evening... Read more

($40 per guest | 4pm Doors / 4:30pm Tasting) Agave Heritage Festival presents agave spirits tasting, every 1st Sunday! Join Francisco Terrazas, Programming Director for the Agave Heritage Festival, for an evening around the culture, craft and process of agave spirts. This month features Sotoles.

Ticket includes four ¾ ounce tastes along with traditional tasting accompaniments (orange slices, agave worm salt and sparkling water!)

**December 3rd:** Spirits of the North 

Sotoleros Lechuguilla, Los Cantiles 1905 Blanco, LaMata Ensamble Tamaulipas, La Higuera

Century Room Jazz Jam

Century Room Jazz Jam

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

U of A Combo Night

U of A Combo Night

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) UA Combo night at the Century Room features the UA Experiential Ensemble, directed by Jason Carder, and the Downbeat Award Winning UA Jazz Ensemble, directed by... Read more

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) UA Combo night at the Century Room features the UA Experiential Ensemble, directed by Jason Carder, and the Downbeat Award Winning UA Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brice Winston. Come support listen to these fantastic students perform at the culmination of their semester!

The UA Jazz Ensemble , is fresh off of their most recent DownBeat Student Award recognition in the category of “Outstanding Undergraduate Small Ensemble.” The group is the premier small jazz ensemble in the jazz program at UA, and as such, the musicians represent a vital part of the jazz program as well as a virtual “who’s who” in the Southern Arizona Jazz Scene. The UA Jazz Ensemble has performed at several festivals nationally (Las Vegas Jazz Invitational and Oñate Jazz Festival) and have been featured in the Tucson Jazz Festival since its inception. Their performance with the award-winning drummer/composer Kendrick Scott was the headline of the 2022 Tucson Jazz Festival MLK Day festivities. Needless to say, the quality and the level in the group has always been high. Both the Experiential Ensemble and the UA Jazz Ensemble will be performing a mix of original arrangements/compositions as well as interpretations of well known small ensemble jazz repertoire.

U of A Combo Night

U of A Combo Night

(No Cover) UA Combo night at the Century Room features the UA Experiential Ensemble, directed by Jason Carder, and the Downbeat Award Winning UA Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brice Winston. Come support... Read more

(No Cover) UA Combo night at the Century Room features the UA Experiential Ensemble, directed by Jason Carder, and the Downbeat Award Winning UA Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brice Winston. Come support listen to these fantastic students perform at the culmination of their semester!

The UA Jazz Ensemble , is fresh off of their most recent DownBeat Student Award recognition in the category of “Outstanding Undergraduate Small Ensemble.” The group is the premier small jazz ensemble in the jazz program at UA, and as such, the musicians represent a vital part of the jazz program as well as a virtual “who’s who” in the Southern Arizona Jazz Scene. The UA Jazz Ensemble has performed at several festivals nationally (Las Vegas Jazz Invitational and Oñate Jazz Festival) and have been featured in the Tucson Jazz Festival since its inception. Their performance with the award-winning drummer/composer Kendrick Scott was the headline of the 2022 Tucson Jazz Festival MLK Day festivities. Needless to say, the quality and the level in the group has always been high. Both the Experiential Ensemble and the UA Jazz Ensemble will be performing a mix of original arrangements/compositions as well as interpretations of well known small ensemble jazz repertoire.

Gabrielle Pietrangelo & Friends

Gabrielle Pietrangelo & Friends

($15-$20 tickets | 6pm doors / 7pm show) Join Gabrielle Pietrangelo and her backing band, which includes Thøger Lund on bass, Casey Hadland on drums and Chris Peña on keys, for an... Read more

($15-$20 tickets | 6pm doors / 7pm show) Join Gabrielle Pietrangelo and her backing band, which includes Thøger Lund on bass, Casey Hadland on drums and Chris Peña on keys, for an evening of desert inspired indie-folk.

Gabrielle will be celebrating the release of ‘Tucson,’ the first single and music video from her upcoming album.

Gabrielle Pietrangelo’s desert inspired, voice centered, indie-folk has been evolving in the Tucson region for two decades. Recently returning to solo songwriter roots after years of harmony-based projects, Gabrielle is set to release a full length solo album in 2024. Driven by guitar and ethereal vocals, Gabrielle’s music holds themes of nature, image invoking lyrics, humor and personal spirituality. She is a recent John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner and has arranged and performed vocal harmonies for many national and local acts including, Calexico, Howe Gelb, Amos Lee, Marianne Dissard, Brian Lopez, Mamma Coal and more.

Larry Goldings & Melinda Sullivan

Larry Goldings & Melinda Sullivan

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) An unlikely and extraordinary duo, Larry Goldings (piano, keyboards) and Melinda Sullivan (tap dancing) present an evening of eclectic music and tap dancing that is inventive... Read more

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) An unlikely and extraordinary duo, Larry Goldings (piano, keyboards) and Melinda Sullivan (tap dancing) present an evening of eclectic music and tap dancing that is inventive and joyful.

Larry Goldings is a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer. His organ trio with Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart has been recognized as one of the best modern Hammond B-3 organ trios. Goldings’s music draws from a lifetime of absorbing jazz, pop, funk, R&B, electronic, and classical music. As a performer and recording artist, he is known for collaborations that straddle the realms of jazz and pop with such artists as James Taylor, John Mayer, John Scofield, Steve Gadd, and others.

Melinda Sullivan is a tap dancer and choreographer. She has performed and taught at tap festivals and universities worldwide. Her choreography has been seen on Broadway and in a variety of television shows. Sullivan is a guest artist with the award-winning New York City tap company Dorrance Dance, and she is a founding member of the Syncopated Ladies tap group. She is on the faculty of the Colburn School in Los Angeles and has been named one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to watch.

The Heavy Hitters

The Heavy Hitters

($25-$40 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Heavy Hitters return to the Century Room for their 2nd appearance! A new collective sextet conceived by two of the music’s greatest artists, pianist Mike... Read more

($25-$40 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Heavy Hitters return to the Century Room for their 2nd appearance! A new collective sextet conceived by two of the music’s greatest artists, pianist Mike LeDonne and saxophonist Eric Alexander, the Heavy Hitters play “soulful kickass swinging music” that is reminiscent of classic Blue Note records of the 1960s.

LeDonne & Alexander are joined in this powerhouse ensemble by the fiery trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, bassist Alex Claffy and the sublime swing of drummer Kenny Washington. These world-renowned musicians are the epitome of New York jazz and are known for bringing the heat and taking no prisoners.

Jeremy Pelt (trumpet) Vincent Herring (alto) Eric Alexander (tenor) Mike LeDonne (piano) Alex Claffy (bass) Kenny Washington (drums)

Skip Heller’s Hollywood Film Noirchestra

Skip Heller’s Hollywood Film Noirchestra

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) Los Angeles guitarist Skip Heller and his ensemble pay tribute to the marriage of crime and jazz, featuring classic film noir scores by Mancini, Barry, Mandel... Read more

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) Los Angeles guitarist Skip Heller and his ensemble pay tribute to the marriage of crime and jazz, featuring classic film noir scores by Mancini, Barry, Mandel and more! Bandleader/composer Heller has long enjoyed a diverse career, but one close look at his resume – which includes working with Yma Sumac, Bootsy Collins, NRBQ, Lalo Guerrero, Los Lobos, the Klezmatics, Todd Rundgren, and Joe Bataan – and it becomes clear that film noir is his home base. In late 2019, he assembled The Hollywood Film Noirchestra, bringing together an ensemble of players whose abilities ran the gamut from jazz to chamber music, Latin music, funk, world music, and beyond.

Lena Cardinale (vocals) Skip Heller (guitar) Anthony Gibes (trumpet) Max Goldschmid (trombone, French horn) David Nguyen (clarinet, bass clarinet) Brice Winston (bari, tenor, alto, flute) Cynthia Hilts (piano) Ben Degain (vibes, percussion) Thøger Lund (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

**Skip Heller**

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Heller was a prolific participant in the local bar band scene. A self-taught arranger-composer, he migrated to Hollywood in the late nineties, and set to work producing a series of critically-accclaimed independent records (both as artist and arranger/producer). In 1999, he scored the film _Man Is Mostly Water, A (1999)_. Shortly afterwards, he wrote the bulk of the new music for The Flintstones: On the Rocks (2001), and music for an episode of the popular cartoon Dexter’s Laboratory (1996). He continues to be active as player, composer, and bandleader.

Skip Heller With Naim Amor & The Cocktail Hours

Skip Heller With Naim Amor & The Cocktail Hours

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Naim Amor & the Cocktail Hours perform every 2nd Saturday at the Century Room, playing a blend of jazz, tiki, lounge and exotica. This month they... Read more

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Naim Amor & the Cocktail Hours perform every 2nd Saturday at the Century Room, playing a blend of jazz, tiki, lounge and exotica. This month they are joined by special guest guitarist & arranger Skip Heller from Los Angeles!

Lena Cardinale (vocals) Joseph Rader (flute, saxophone) Skip Heller (guitar) Naim Amor (guitar) Ben Degain (vibes) Thøger Lund (bass) Arthur Vint (percussion) Casey Hadland (drums)

Late Night with Victor Gutierrez

Late Night with Victor Gutierrez

(No Cover | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join saxophonist Victor Gutierrez along with his band! Kenji Lancaster – Drums Colin McIlrath – Bass Ricardo Garcia – Guitar Read more

(No Cover | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join saxophonist Victor Gutierrez along with his band!

Kenji Lancaster – Drums

Colin McIlrath – Bass

Ricardo Garcia – Guitar

Fruit Cocktail Lounge: Sarah Tolar

Fruit Cocktail Lounge: Sarah Tolar

($10 tickets | 4pm doors) Jazz up your holidays with Fruit Cocktail Lounge on Sunday December 10 at the Century Room! Join your friends, family and community at Tucson’s premiere LGBTQIA+ jazz... Read more

($10 tickets | 4pm doors) Jazz up your holidays with Fruit Cocktail Lounge on Sunday December 10 at the Century Room!

Join your friends, family and community at Tucson’s premiere LGBTQIA+ jazz cocktail party featuring the sensational Sarah Tolar on the microphone joined on stage by the spectacular Fruit Cocktail Combo led by our fabulous friend, Khris Dodge! And it wouldn’t be Fruit Cocktail Lounge without our dashing host, Paul Bowman! Enjoy downtown Tucson’s only jazz club for a delightful afternoon with stellar entertainment, signature craft cocktails, delectable small plates and fabulous fellowship.

And it’s just $10! The admission price brings you our talented local musicians and special happy hour pricing on select cocktails!

There’s limited capacity at the Century Room – we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance at Hotel Congress’s front desk or online. Tickets will also be available at the door until we run out!

Come get a little fruity at Fruit Cocktail Lounge! 4-7pm, 21+

Century Room Jazz Jam

Century Room Jazz Jam

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

The Century Room Jazz Orchestra

The Century Room Jazz Orchestra

($15-$25 tickets | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 7pm.... Read more

($15-$25 tickets | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 7pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra and much more! Drummers Arthur Vint, Pete Swan, Kenji Lancaster and Fred Hayes share the drum chair, alternating each week. Advanced tickets recommended!

Rotating (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace & Sly Slipetsky (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Brice Winston & Kevin Ravellette (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Simeon Roth (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Max Goldschmid (trombone) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet)

Mysterious Babies Traditional Jazz Band

Mysterious Babies Traditional Jazz Band

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) Guy Senese leads the Mysterious Babies in the tradition of Armstrong, Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and other Early Jazz innovators out of New Orleans & Chicago.... Read more

($10 Reserved/No Cover GA | 7pm-10pm) Guy Senese leads the Mysterious Babies in the tradition of Armstrong, Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and other Early Jazz innovators out of New Orleans & Chicago. The band starts at 7pm, followed by a trad jazz jam session. Every Wednesday!

To sit in our listening section by the stage, be sure to buy a reserved ticket! The rest of the room is open to the general public…dancing encouraged!

Pete Swan Presents! The Rhythmatics

Pete Swan Presents! The Rhythmatics

($10-$15 | 7pm Show) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come grab a drink and catch the high power jazz fusion... Read more

($10-$15 | 7pm Show) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come grab a drink and catch the high power jazz fusion of The Rhythmatics!

Pete Swan (drums) Evan Arredondo (bass) Richard Katz (piano) Gary Love (saxophone)

Dmitri Matheny & Holly Pyle: The Brazil Project

Dmitri Matheny & Holly Pyle: The Brazil Project

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Join Holly, Dmitri, and their all-star band for a musical journey to Brazil and a fresh spin on jazz samba, bossa nova, and beyond! Featuring: Holly... Read more

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Join Holly, Dmitri, and their all-star band for a musical journey to Brazil and a fresh spin on jazz samba, bossa nova, and beyond!

Featuring:

Holly Pyle – Vocal

Dmitri Matheny – Flugelhorn

Beth Lederman – Piano

Dwight Kilian – Bass

Pete Swan – Drums

In the early 1960s Brazil ignited a global musical revolution by exporting a new kind of jazz-infused music. Blending subtle, caressing melodies with intoxicating syncopated rhythms, the sound was called BOSSA NOVA (Portuguese for “new trend”). When Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl From Ipanema” (recorded by Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto and João Gilberto) won the Grammy in 1965, the new trend became a worldwide phenomenon.

Known for her “soulfully graceful, liquid-like voice” (Phoenix New Times), Los Angeles vocalist HOLLY PYLE started out as an opera major before studying jazz and psychology. Now one of the most popular vocalists in the west, Holly performs with leading jazz groups and appears regularly as a solo a-cappella act using electronic looping to build masterful sonic creations.

Flugelhornist DMITRI MATHENY has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” (International Review of Music). An honors graduate of Berklee College of Music, Dmitri Matheny vaulted onto the jazz scene in the 1990s as the protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer. Since then he has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal international following, releasing twelve CDs and touring extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.The San Francisco Chronicle calls Matheny “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players.”

For a decade Dmitri and Holly have toured the western states, delighting audiences with their creative collaborations. Popular programs include The SnowCat, an original theatrical production for kids and families, Jazz From The Silver Screen, and deep dives into the songbooks of Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Wonder.

According to All About Jazz, the Dmitri Matheny Group is “an all-star jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in the western United States.”

Sam Trapchak & Q Morrow: Traq Ataq!

Sam Trapchak & Q Morrow: Traq Ataq!

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Bassist Sam Trapchak and guitarist Q Morrow join forces to bring us their power trio Traq Ataq, all the way from NYC! **Traq Ataq** “It’s the... Read more

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Bassist Sam Trapchak and guitarist Q Morrow join forces to bring us their power trio Traq Ataq, all the way from NYC!

**Traq Ataq**

“It’s the HIPPEST guitar-led grouping I’ve heard in 2018…”

“The sensitive beauty expressed through Q’s guitar on “Sueño de Miel” will totally blow you away… this track is absolutely the best jazz guitar I’ve listened to in 2018.”

“Defines the “hip” that is NYC – this is it, folks!”

*- Dick Metcalf-Contemporary Fusion Reviews*

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDoJWyJPm60&authuser=1*

**Sam Trapchak**

Sam Trapchak was born in 1984 in Livonia, Michigan. When he expressed an interest in music his father dissuaded him from the electric guitar with these words of wisdom: “Everyone always needs a bass player.” From there, Sam was nurtured by the rich musical tradition of Detroit. He took up the double bass after being accepted into the jazz studies program at Wayne State University in Detroit. He won successive scholarships while enrolled there, and freelanced throughout the Metro-Detroit/Windsor area.

In 2007 Sam was awarded a full scholarship to continue his studies at William Paterson University in New Jersey. There, he studied with Mulgrew Miller, Steve Laspina, and other legendary jazz musicians. Upon completing his degree in 2009, Sam moved to downtown Jersey City and later New York City. In August of 2010 he recorded his first album as a leader with his band “Put Together Funny” featuring Arthur Vint on drums and Greg Ward II on saxophone.

**Q Morrow**

Q Morrow is a NYC based guitarist who plays jazz, latin, and Brazilian music. As a sideman he’s worked with artists such as the Fugees, Lauryn Hill, and Chabuco to name a few and performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, The Monterey Jazz Fest, San Jose Jazz Fest, Healdsburg Jazz Fest, NYC clubs like Zinc Bar, 55 Bar, SOBs, Cellar Dog, Cornelia St Cafe, and clubs and festivals in Europe and South America as well. He has released two albums of original music, “All Around Dude” snd “There Are Stars in Brooklyn”, both available on Bandcamp. Q co-leads the trio TRAQ ATAQ with NYC bassist Sam Trapchak.

“Free-wheeling and smart feel straight out of the NYC jazz scene”

“This daring musician produces almost hypnotic strains of pure beauty”

“This daring musician has arrived at the next level and has given us something full of imagination”

Century Room Jazz Jam

Century Room Jazz Jam

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

CRJO Performs Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

CRJO Performs Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

($15-$30 tickets | 7pm & 9pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 7pm.... Read more

($15-$30 tickets | 7pm & 9pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 7pm. This time, the band will be playing Duke Ellington’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite!

Arthur Vint (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Brice Winston & Kevin Ravellette (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Simeon Roth (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Max Goldschmid (trombone) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet)

Eleonor Winston Trio Presents: A Swinging Christmas

Eleonor Winston Trio Presents: A Swinging Christmas

($15-$25 tickets | 6pm doors / 7pm show) Eleonor Winston Trio Presents: a Swinging Christmas! Ring in the season with an evening of jazz and holiday favorites. Born and raised in Sweden,... Read more

($15-$25 tickets | 6pm doors / 7pm show) Eleonor Winston Trio Presents: a Swinging Christmas! Ring in the season with an evening of jazz and holiday favorites.

Born and raised in Sweden, Eleonor Winston moved to New Orleans to study jazz at the University of New Orleans under the direction of Ellis Marsalis. After her studies she became a well-known feature on the New Orleans jazz scene for many years, including performances at the famous Snug Harbor and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, Eleonor made Tucson her home, where her outstanding talent and distinctive, silky and soulful vocal style have been entrancing audiences ever since.

Eleonor Winston – Vocals

Chris Pena – Piano

Jack Wood – Bass

Pete Swan Presents: Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio

Pete Swan Presents: Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come for a very special Christmas show with Liz... Read more

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come for a very special Christmas show with Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio!

Come and enjoy a wonderful and intimate evening of your favorite holiday classics.

Featuring:

Liz Cracchiolo – Vocals

Chris Peña – Piano

Scott Black – Bass

Pete Swan – Drums

Pete Swan Presents: Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio

Pete Swan Presents: Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come for a very special Christmas show with Liz... Read more

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday come for a very special Christmas show with Liz Cracchiolo and the Pete Swan Cool Yule Trio!

Come and enjoy a wonderful and intimate evening of your favorite holiday classics.

Featuring:

Liz Cracchiolo – Vocals

Chris Peña – Piano

Scott Black – Bass

Pete Swan – Drums

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Music Of Vince Gauraldi

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Music Of Vince Gauraldi

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm sets) Angelo Versace, Scott Black and Arthur Vint play Vince Guaraldi Trio’s much beloved “A Charlie Brown Christmas” along with a selection of other Vince Guaraldi compositions.... Read more

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm sets) Angelo Versace, Scott Black and Arthur Vint play Vince Guaraldi Trio’s much beloved “A Charlie Brown Christmas” along with a selection of other Vince Guaraldi compositions.

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.

Late Night with Autumn Dominguez

Late Night with Autumn Dominguez

(No Cover | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join vocalist and saxophonist Autumn Dominguez along with her band for Late Night! Kenji Lancaster – Drums Colin McIlrath – Bass Denali Kaufman... Read more

(No Cover | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join vocalist and saxophonist Autumn Dominguez along with her band for Late Night!

Kenji Lancaster – Drums

Colin McIlrath – Bass

Denali Kaufman – Piano

Noethen But Jazz Christmas

Noethen But Jazz Christmas

($15-$25 | 7pm show) Mark Noethen (piano) is a versatile musician who studied jazz piano with Bob Ravenscroft and performed with the University of Arizona Jazz Ensemble in Tucson from 1976 to... Read more

($15-$25 | 7pm show) Mark Noethen (piano) is a versatile musician who studied jazz piano with Bob Ravenscroft and performed with the University of Arizona Jazz Ensemble in Tucson from 1976 to 1980. He later joined the Eastman School of Music Jazz Lab Band in Rochester and has performed with the Texins Big Band in North Texas.

Janice Jarrett (vocals) educator, vocalist, and lyricist created L.A. based jazz vocal ensemble, Borrowed Time. The group’s repertoire was based on Jarrett’s lyrics of works by legendary composer/pianists such as Eddie Russ, George Cables, and Kenny Barron. Now in Tucson she runs her own private Vocal Technique Studio.

Lanny Webb (bass) with a B.A. in Music Education and has performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and has a rich history of performing in Las Vegas backing stars that played shows in Caesars Palace, Sahara, and others.

These talented musicians have come together to form the NBJ group, and will be playing a selection of swingin’ Christmas Classics.

Late Night with Ben Canfield Quintet

Late Night with Ben Canfield Quintet

($10-$15 tickets | 9pm show) Ben Canfield is a Tucson native and tenor saxophonist, as well as a former member of the Tucson Jazz Institute. After graduating highschool, he graduated Suma Cum... Read more

($10-$15 tickets | 9pm show) Ben Canfield is a Tucson native and tenor saxophonist, as well as a former member of the Tucson Jazz Institute. After graduating highschool, he graduated Suma Cum Laude from the Berklee College of Music with a degree in Jazz performance, while participating in the prestigious Berklee World Jazz Institute. Currently, he is earning a Masters degree in Jazz and Contemporary music from the Longy School of Music at Bard College.

Throughout his musical career he has studied with world renowned musicians that include Brice Winston, Danilo Perez, Tony Malaby, Greg Hopkins, Noah Preminger and Eric Hofbauer.

At the Century Room he will be performing his own original compositions, as well as compositions written by the rest of his band mates, who all know Ben from different stages of his musical life.

His band mates are as follows:

Shiyu Fang (piano) who is currently earning a double degree in Jazz performance and Jazz composition from the Berklee College of Music.

Misha Olarrea (tenor saxophone) who graduated from University of Kansas with a degree in Jazz performance

Colin McIlrath (bass) who is currently studying Jazz Performance at the University of Arizona

Kai Felix (drums) who graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Jazz Performance

Century Room Jazz Jam

Century Room Jazz Jam

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

(No Cover | 7pm-10pm) Come jam with the Century Room House band!

Closed Christmas Day

Closed Christmas Day

Enjoy the holiday!

Enjoy the holiday!

Pete Swan Presents – RC3: The R.Carlos Nakai Trio

Pete Swan Presents – RC3: The R.Carlos Nakai Trio

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday get ready for an unforgettable evening with the R.... Read more

($10-$15 | 7pm & 8:30pm sets) Every Thursday, drummer & producer Pete Swan presents a spotlight on his favorite local musicians. This Thursday get ready for an unforgettable evening with the R. Carlos Nakai Trio!

Featuring the incredible talents of AmoChip Dabney and Will Clipman, the R. Carlos Nakai Trio promises to deliver an electrifying and unforgettable performance.

**R. Carlos Nakai**

Of Navajo-Ute heritage, R. Carlos Nakai is a renowned Native American flute player who initially trained in classical trumpet and music theory. Introduced to the traditional cedar wood flute as a gift, Nakai embraced the instrument in the early 1980s, producing over 50 albums, 40 of which are on the Canyon Records label. With more than 4.3 million albums sold and two Gold Records for “Canyon Trilogy” and “Earth Spirit,” Nakai achieved Platinum status in 2014, a first for a Native American artist in solo flute music. Beyond solo performances worldwide, Nakai collaborated with notable musicians and explored diverse genres like new age, world-beat jazz, and classical. His cross-cultural ventures include partnerships with artists like guitarist William Eaton and Tibetan flutist Nawang Khechog, aiming to convey a nuanced portrayal of Native American culture and society, challenging stereotypes perpetuated by mass media. Nakai boasts eleven GRAMMY nominations across four categories and has been honored with a Governor’s Arts Award.

Peter Saxe Quintet: Cool Struttin’

Peter Saxe Quintet: Cool Struttin’

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Chicago-based pianist Peter Saxe returns to Tucson for the winter with an all-star quintet to perform Sonny Clark’s 1958 Blue Note classic album “Cool Struttin'”. Described... Read more

($15-$30 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Chicago-based pianist Peter Saxe returns to Tucson for the winter with an all-star quintet to perform Sonny Clark’s 1958 Blue Note classic album “Cool Struttin'”. Described as an “enduring hard bop classic” by the New York Times, the original album featured Jackie McClean, Art Farmer, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones playing Sonny’s swinging arrangments. The album is a cult favorite among hard bop enthusiasts and will make new fans as it is performed along with other Sonny Clark classics at the Century Room by Tucson’s best!

Max Goldschmid (trumpet) Eric Nakanishi (saxophone) Peter Saxe (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

Gabriel Evan NYC Hot Jazz Sextet

Gabriel Evan NYC Hot Jazz Sextet

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Saxophonist & bandleader Gabriel Evan brings his brand of Hot Jazz, Early Swing and Pre-Bop from NYC to the Century Room! Heavily influenced by the John... Read more

($20-$35 | 7pm & 9pm Shows) Saxophonist & bandleader Gabriel Evan brings his brand of Hot Jazz, Early Swing and Pre-Bop from NYC to the Century Room! Heavily influenced by the John Kirby Sextet, an unsung small group of the swing era, Evan leads his sextet in similar fashion with a chamber musical approach to jazz, that includes the reworking classical compositions, jazz standards as well as a spin on pop and other numbers. Come celebrate New Year’s “Eve Eve” at the Century Room!

Gabriel Evan (saxophone) Kevin Ravellette (clarinet) Max Goldschmid (trumpet) Jonathan Hines (piano) Colin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

Gabriel Evan Orchestra: Caribbean New Year’s Eve

Gabriel Evan Orchestra: Caribbean New Year’s Eve

($45-$60 tickets | 9pm & 11:30pm shows) Take a step back in time to the ritziest night club in all of Havana: El Tropicana! The Century Room channels the spirit of Havana’s... Read more

($45-$60 tickets | 9pm & 11:30pm shows) Take a step back in time to the ritziest night club in all of Havana: El Tropicana! The Century Room channels the spirit of Havana’s El Tropicana for an unforgettable night of Caribbean music performed by New York City’s Gabriel Evan Orchestra. Come dressed to impress as if you were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Marlon Brando, Ernest Hemingway and Rita Hayworth for this very special New Year’s Eve engagement!

Tickets to 9pm Show include an “East Coast Toast” at 10pm. There is also an option to add a HoCo NYE Wristband, which will allow you to join the Hotel Congress New Years Eve Party afterwards. (Otherwise, enjoy an early celebration and get home in time to celebrate NYE in bed!)

We will open the doors for another pack of revelers at 10:30pm for the late set open, which includes a Midnight Champagne Toast and live music until 12:45am.

The Gabriel Evan Caribbean Orchestra delighted audiences at the Century Room last year with their whimsical take of early mambo, calypso and mid century Exotica. This year’s band will feature:

Gabriel Evan (saxophones) Max Goldschmid (trombone) Sly Slipetski (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Colin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums) Miguel Melgoza (percussion)

Closed New Year’s Day

Closed New Year’s Day

Enjoy the holiday!

Enjoy the holiday!

TJF Opening Party feat. Armen Donelian Quartet

TJF Opening Party feat. Armen Donelian Quartet

($15-$25 tickets | 6pm-8pm) Come celebrate the opening night of the Tucson Jazz Festival with a special performance with the Armen Donelian Quartet! Arturo Sandoval performs across the street at the Rialto... Read more

($15-$25 tickets | 6pm-8pm) Come celebrate the opening night of the Tucson Jazz Festival with a special performance with the Armen Donelian Quartet! Arturo Sandoval performs across the street at the Rialto Theater at 8pm, so come get in the mood with some more live jazz and cocktails at the Century Room! Doors open at 5pm with live music starting at 6pm.

Free General Admission to Tucson Jazz Festival members!

TJF Late Night Jam with Arthur Vint

TJF Late Night Jam with Arthur Vint

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Arthur Vint and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved... Read more

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Arthur Vint and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and his trio. **Isaiah J. Thompson** Isaiah J. Thompson is the winner of the 2023... Read more

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and his trio.

**Isaiah J. Thompson**

Isaiah J. Thompson is the winner of the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz of the American Pianists Association. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, the pianist, bandleader and composer began studying at The Calderone School of Music from an early age. Soon after, Isaiah continued his studies with Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens and was later admitted to The Juilliard School graduating with both his Bachelor’s in 2019 and Master’s of Music degrees in 2020. Isaiah has performed with major artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Steve Turre and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records’ Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader.

He worked on the Golden Globe nominated soundtrack for Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist and has been awarded other accolades including, the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, and second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Competition. As a performer, Isaiah tries to emit love, spirit and respect and convey his personal experiences through his artistry and his everlasting love of jazz.

TJF Late Night Jam with Alex Kautz

TJF Late Night Jam with Alex Kautz

($10 | 11:00pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Alex Kautz for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA... Read more

($10 | 11:00pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Alex Kautz for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

Alex Kautz

Musicality, groove and knowledge of a variety of styles are some of the adjetives that makes Alex Kautz a unique musician.

Alex has been a part of the NY competitive music scene for the last fifteen years and has played and/or recorded with some of the top artists in the industry today including Tim Ries, Chico Pinheiro, Magos Herrera, Nilson Matta, Steve Willson, Lenny Andrade, Fabio Gouvea, Adam Rogers, Helio Alves, Victor Prieto and Lionel Loueke to name a few.

Alex has also led his own groups where he explores the sounds and textures of Brazilian music mixed with jazz and he is currently working on a new album to be released next fall.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Alex received the “Best Achievement merit Scholarship” while attending the prestigious institution in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He later received a full scholarship award from Mexico’s National Fund for Culture and Arts (FONCA) to study a Masters of Arts Degree in Aaron Copland School of Music in New York.

As an active educator since 2001, Alex has been an important part of the artistic community in different countries including USA, Mexico, India, and Brazil teaching private lessons as well as master classes. In addition he has been a guest professor in Souza Lima Conservatory and College of Music in Sao Paulo, Brazil, JAZZUV School of Music in Veracruz Mexico, Swarnabhomi School of Music in India and he is currently teaching at the New School and Mannes School of Music in NYC.

Alex Kautz Brazillian Jazz Quartet

Alex Kautz Brazillian Jazz Quartet

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents drummer Alex Kautz and his quartet. John Ellis – Sax, Tenor and Soprano Fabio Gouvea – Guitar Hamish Smith – Bass... Read more

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents drummer Alex Kautz and his quartet.

John Ellis – Sax, Tenor and Soprano

Fabio Gouvea – Guitar

Hamish Smith – Bass

Alex Kautz – Drums

**Alex Kautz**

Musicality, groove and knowledge of a variety of styles are some of the adjetives that makes Alex Kautz a unique musician.

Alex has been a part of the NY competitive music scene for the last fifteen years and has played and/or recorded with some of the top artists in the industry today including Tim Ries, Chico Pinheiro, Magos Herrera, Nilson Matta, Steve Willson, Lenny Andrade, Fabio Gouvea, Adam Rogers, Helio Alves, Victor Prieto and Lionel Loueke to name a few.

Alex has also led his own groups where he explores the sounds and textures of Brazilian music mixed with jazz and he is currently working on a new album to be released next fall.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Alex received the “Best Achievement merit Scholarship” while attending the prestigious institution in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He later received a full scholarship award from Mexico’s National Fund for Culture and Arts (FONCA) to study a Masters of Arts Degree in Aaron Copland School of Music in New York.

As an active educator since 2001, Alex has been an important part of the artistic community in different countries including USA, Mexico, India, and Brazil teaching private lessons as well as master classes. In addition he has been a guest professor in Souza Lima Conservatory and College of Music in Sao Paulo, Brazil, JAZZUV School of Music in Veracruz Mexico, Swarnabhomi School of Music in India and he is currently teaching at the New School and Mannes School of Music in NYC.

TJF Late Night Jam with Benny Benack III

TJF Late Night Jam with Benny Benack III

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Benny Benack III for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered.... Read more

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Benny Benack III for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

**Benny Benack III**

By age 31, Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III has proven to be that rarest of talents: not only a fiery trumpet player with a stirring command of the postbop trumpet vernacular in the vein of Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard, but also a singer with a sly, mature, naturally expressive delivery in the post-Sinatra mold, performing standards and his own astute songs with a thrilling sense of showmanship. This duel-threat ability was recognized by the 2022 Downbeat Critics Poll where he appeared as not only the #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist, but a top Rising Star Trumpeter as well. His superb intonation and bracing virtuosity enable him to handle astounding feats of originally composed vocalese (complex solos with written lyrics). On top of it all, he’s a highly capable pianist as well.

Century Room Jazz Orchestra feat. Special Surprise Guest

Century Room Jazz Orchestra feat. Special Surprise Guest

($25-$35 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents the 17-piece Century Room Jazz Orchestra with a very special surprise guest… **Century Room Jazz Orchestra** Inspired by... Read more

($25-$35 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents the 17-piece Century Room Jazz Orchestra with a very special surprise guest…

**Century Room Jazz Orchestra**

Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 7pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra and much more with a special guest vocalist!

Arthur Vint (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace & Peter Saxe (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Brice Winston & Kevin Ravellette (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Simeon Roth (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Max Goldschmid (trombone) Alex Melnychuck, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet)

Sean Mason Quartet

Sean Mason Quartet

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist Sean Mason. **Sean Mason** Sean Mason is in no rush. The young pianist and composer takes his time in playing... Read more

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm sets) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist Sean Mason.

**Sean Mason**

Sean Mason is in no rush. The young pianist and composer takes his time in playing and composing, imagining his music as a physical space through which to guide the listener. He sees much of that music taking place in the south, specifically North Carolina, where he grew up playing piano in church. “It’s something about … that feeling of going to that part of the south that always sticks with me,” he says. “And so I can’t really get that out of my music.”

Mason’s music is also exceptionally groovy – as he puts it, “my purpose is to play dance music,” citing ragtime and stride piano as two of his greatest inspirations, along with early hero Ray Charles.

Mason moved to New York in 2018 to attend Juilliard, where he connected with the late pianist Frank Kimbrough, who became his private instructor and an important friend. Mason also caught the attention of both Wynton and Branford Marsalis, who have selected him for the piano chair on some highly prestigious gigs, from an all-Ellington program at Jazz at Lincoln Center to the soundtrack for the film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Miguel Zenón Quartet

Miguel Zenón Quartet

($30-$40 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents Miguel Zenón Quartet, with Luis Perdomo, Hans Glawischnig & Henry Cole! **Miguel Zenón** Multiple Grammy Nominee and Guggenheim... Read more

($30-$40 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents Miguel Zenón Quartet, with Luis Perdomo, Hans Glawischnig & Henry Cole!

**Miguel Zenón**

Multiple Grammy Nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often- contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists and composers of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between jazz and his many musical influences.

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has released fifteen recordings as a leader, including the Grammy-nominated Música De Las Américas (2022), El Arte Del Bolero (2021) and Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera (2019) and Yo Soy La Tradición (2018). He has worked with luminaries such as The SFJAZZ Collective, Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Sánchez, Danilo Perez, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Kurt Elling, Joey Calderazzo, Steve Coleman, Ray Barreto, Andy Montañez, Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band, The Mingus Big Band and Bobby Hutcherson.

Zenón has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe and The Chicago Tribune. In addition, he topped both the Jazz Artist of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year categories in the 2014 JazzTimes Critics Poll and was selected as Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (when he was also recognized as Arranger of the Year). In 2023 he was recognized by the same organization as the Composer of the Year.

As a composer he has been commissioned by SFJAZZ, NYO Jazz, The New York State Council on the Arts, Chamber Music America, Logan Center for The Arts, The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, The John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, MIT, Spektral Quartet, Miller Theater, The Hewlett Foundation, Peak Performances, PRISM Quartet and many of his peers. Zenón has given hundreds of lectures and master classes at institutions all over the world and is a faculty member in the Music & Theater Arts Department at MIT, as well as the current Visiting Scholar for the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department at Berklee College of Music.

In April 2008 Zenón received a fellowship from the prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. Later that year he was one of 25 distinguished individuals chosen to receive the coveted MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant.” In 2011 he founded Caravana Cultural, a program which presents free-of-charge Jazz concerts in rural areas of Puerto Rico. In 2022 he received an Honorary Doctorate from La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the highest honor bestowed by the institution.

Melanie Sholtz & Aaron Rimbui: Reflections On Mama Africa

Melanie Sholtz & Aaron Rimbui: Reflections On Mama Africa

($30-$40 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents Melanie Sholtz & Aaron Rimbui. **Melanie Sholtz** Melanie Scholtz is a South African born, multi award winning jazz... Read more

($30-$40 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents Melanie Sholtz & Aaron Rimbui.

**Melanie Sholtz**

Melanie Scholtz is a South African born, multi award winning jazz singer and composer. She started playing the piano from the age of 5 and went on to study Opera at The University of Cape Town Opera School where she graduated Cum Laude with a Performer’s Diploma in Opera 2000. Melanie went on to teach at the University of Cape Town from 2004-2005. In 2010, Melanie was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz and In 2012, won all three prizes at the prestigious Jazz Revelations competition as part of the Jazz a Juan Festival in Nice, France.

She has performed all over the world including her native country, South Africa, Czech Republic, Slovakia , Germany , France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United States.

Currently residing in New York City, Melanie hopes to further her career as a solo artist and songwriter. Besides performing with a jazz trio, whether it be jazz or her own music, Melanie has a solo project called The Lone Looper, using a looping machine, which enables her to create compositions using only the voice.

**Aaron Rimbui**

Aaron was born in Nairobi, Kenya. Rimbui’s ear for music was displayed while still a toddler. His father would play everything from Stevie Wonder records to Henry Mancini and take him to local restaurants where he heard the music of groups like Les Wanyika, Maroon Commandos and Samba Mapangala. This had a significant influence on how he developed his sound in later years. Rimbui’s individual expression in music continued to form in his high school years. It is at this time that he picked up the piano. Rimbui began to gravitate toward jazz as he listened to the music of David Sanborn, Joe Sample, Yellowjackets and Fourplay and later, Herbie Hancock and George Duke. Rimbui served as head the Tusker Project Fame band.

TJF Late Night Jam with Pete Swan

TJF Late Night Jam with Pete Swan

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Pete Swan and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved... Read more

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Pete Swan and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

Bill Cantos Trio

Bill Cantos Trio

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist and vocalist Bill Cantos and his trio. **Bill Cantos** The music and lyrics of Bill Cantos have... Read more

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm ) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents pianist and vocalist Bill Cantos and his trio.

**Bill Cantos**

The music and lyrics of Bill Cantos have been recorded by artists spanning the worlds of pop, jazz, theater, gospel, and world music: Ramsey Lewis, Lea Salonga, Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Herb Alpert, Cheryl Bentyne, The Imperials, Flora Purim, Clay Crosse, Helen Baylor, Mark Winkler, and many others. He has written songs (with Alan and Marilyn Bergman and Mari Falcone) for the new musical CHASING MEM’RIES, which recently premiered at the Geffen Playhouse in LA.

Since 2008, Bill has collaborated live and in the recording studio with Herb Alpert & Lani Hall, contributing to six albums including the Grammy-winning STEPPIN’ OUT . He also performed with Burt Bacharach as keyboardist and featured vocalist from 2011 until Burt’s final live show in 2019. He was a backing vocalist on three world tours with Phil Collins and has also toured with Diane Schuur, David Foster, Deniece Williams, Debby Boone, Freddie Hubbard, Vikki Carr, and Rita Coolidge; the artists with whom he has recorded include Elton John, Leon Russell, Josh Groban, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan, Brian Bromberg, Jay Graydon, Andrae Crouch, Clint Black, and Kirk Whalum.

​Bill sang and co-wrote the main title song “All Right Day” for the film HOME RUN SHOWDOWN. He has sung on the soundtrack of over sixty films including FROZEN 2, SING & SING 2, STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE, WALL-E, RIO & RIO 2, and contributed to the music for the Oscar-winning documentary 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. He can be seen performing with Dick Van Dyke in the HBO film IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE OBIT, EAT BREAKFAST.

TJF Late Night Jam with Max Goldschmid

TJF Late Night Jam with Max Goldschmid

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Max Goldschmid and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved... Read more

($10 | 10:30pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Max Goldschmid and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

Linda May Han Oh Quintet

Linda May Han Oh Quintet

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents bassist Linda May Han Oh and her Quintet. “Her innovative range and stellar improvisations have made [her] one of... Read more

($35-$45 Tickets | Sets at 7pm & 9pm) The Tucson Jazz Festival presents bassist Linda May Han Oh and her Quintet.

“Her innovative range and stellar improvisations have made [her] one of the most dynamic rising stars in jazz today.” – The Wall Street Journal

“A major bass voice arrives” – JazzTimes

**Linda May Han Oh**

Based in New York City, Linda May Han Oh is a bassist and composer who has performed and recorded with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Terri Lyne Carrington, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen, and Vijay Iyer.

Born in Malaysia and raised in Perth, Western Australia, she has received many awards such as 2nd place at the BASS2010 Competition, a semi-finalist at the BMW Bass competition and an honorary mention at the 2009 Thelonious Monk Bass Competition.

Linda also received the 2010 Bell Award for Young Australian Artist of the Year and was the 2012 Downbeat Critic’s Poll “Rising Star” on bass. She was voted the 2018 and 2019 Bassist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, as well as 2019 Up-and-coming Artist of the Year. Linda recently received a Jerome Foundation Fellowship, as well as the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant for 2019. She also was voted 2019 Bassist of the Year in Hothouse Magazine and 202 recipient of the Margaret Whitton Award.

She has had five releases as a leader which have received critical acclaim. Her most recent release “Aventurine” is a double quartet album, featuring string quartet and vocal group Invenio.

Linda has written for large and small ensembles as well as for film, participating in the BMI Film Composers Workshop, Sundance Labs at Skywalker Ranch and Sabrina McCormick’s short film, “A Good Egg”.

Linda is based in New York City and is currently on faculty at the New School – School of Jazz , as well as Berklee College of Music. As an active educator she has created a series of lessons for the BassGuru app for iPad and iPhone. Linda is currently bassist of Pat Metheny’s quartet.

TJF Late Night Jam with Brice Winston

TJF Late Night Jam with Brice Winston

($10 | 11:00pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Brice Winston and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam! Limited number of advanced reserved... Read more

($10 | 11:00pm show) Following the Tucson Jazz Festival’s programming, keep the night going with Brice Winston and his quartet for the TJF Late Night Jazz Jam!

Limited number of advanced reserved tickets offered. GA tickets sold at the door.

Tom Wakeling’s Strings & Things

Tom Wakeling’s Strings & Things

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) TOM WAKELING’S “STRINGS & THINGS” Down-home Blues and Jazz meets Brazilian Choro. Bassist Tom Wakeling’s “Strings and Things” embraces jazz’ past, present, and future with vibrant... Read more

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) TOM WAKELING’S “STRINGS & THINGS” Down-home Blues and Jazz meets Brazilian Choro.

Bassist Tom Wakeling’s “Strings and Things” embraces jazz’ past, present, and future with vibrant rhythms and an elegant, hard-swinging style. From beautiful and exciting Brazilian Choro rhythms to down-home Blues and Jazz, their joyful spontaneity and unique repertoire is filled with surprise, beauty, and creativity.

Featuring seven-string guitar legend Howard Alden, six-string bass guitarist, Todd Johnson, bass violinist Tom Wakeling, and special guest Arthur Vint (drums).

**TOM WAKELING**

Bassist Tom Wakeling’s musical travels have taken him throughout Europe, Asia, and North America to perform and record at major festivals, jazz clubs, and concert halls.

Wakeling has put his bass to work with many of the jazz greats, including Arturo Sandoval, Lee Konitz, Mel Torme, Benny Golson, James Moody, Herb Ellis, Mose Allison, Charlie Rouse, Houston Person, Ken Peplowski, Ernie Watts, Scott Hamilton, Charles McPherson, Carl Fontana, and Herb Geller..

Tom has shared the stage with some of the most significant jazz pianists and drummers of our time, including Albert “Tootie” Heath, Lewis Nash, Jeff Hamilton, Mickey Roker, Butch Miles, Grady Tate, Dave Frishberg, Bill Mays, Roger Kellaway, Mike Wofford, Larry Fuller, Bruce Barth, Randy Porter, and Art Lande.

Wakeling’s “show biz” credits include playing in the orchestras of national touring shows such as “Cats”, “A Chorus Line”, the Joffrey Ballet, “Grease”, and “Damn Yankees” (with Jerry Lewis). He’s also backed up such showbiz figures as Della Reese, Mickey Rooney, Red Skelton, Rich Little, and the Fifth Dimension.

“…Excellent, exciting playing….” – TorontoJazz.com

“Bassist Tom Wakeling provides the great foundation upon which all else is built…” – Jazz Times

**HOWARD ALDEN**

Virtuoso guitarist Howard Alden, acknowledged as “…the best of his generation” by JazzTimes, can be heard on the soundtrack to the Woody Allen movie “Sweet and Lowdown”, starring Sean Penn. Howard not only played all the guitar solos, but also coached Mr. Penn on playing the guitar for his role in the film.

“A modern maestro…an original virtuoso…one of the 75 Great Guitarists of all time”, is how Downbeat, the world’s leading jazz magazine, describes Alden.

Having lived in New York City and toured the world many times over, Howard’s impressive performing, touring, and recording credits include such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, Charlie Byrd, Mavis Rivers, Benny Carter, Joe Williams, Flip Phillips, Mel Powell, Bud Freeman, Kenny Davern, Clark Terry, George Van Eps, Woody Herman and scores of others.

Howard’s inimitable playing has also been sought out by rock-blues-pop icon Steve Miller for recording projects and live appearances.

Alden plays the seven-string guitar, which imparts a greater range and harmonic richness to Alden’s already colorful tonal palette, as evidenced on so many of his remarkable recordings. He has appeared on over 100 recordings, including more than 30 recordings under his own name.

“I’m meat and potatoes, but he’s the real deal!” – Vince Gill

“It’s the best recording of the seven-string guitar I’ve ever heard.” – Leo Kottke

“If there is such a thing as a complete jazz guitarist, then Alden is it.” – The London Observer

**TODD JOHNSON**

Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the six-string electric bass. Todd has developed an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously. His ability to play “chord melody” and bass lines gives him a uniquely rich and full sound. A unique musician with a unique instrument, Johnson stretches the limits in creating new sounds and directions with the electric bass guitar.

Todd was an integral member of the critically acclaimed jazz trio of guitarist Ron Eschete for many years. He has performed, toured and/or recorded with such artists as Mike Stern, Poncho Sanchez, Frank Potenza, Dave Weckl, Scott Henderson, Plas Johnson, Lew Tabackin, Jack Sheldon, Rufus Reid, Mundell Lowe, Michael Manring, Paul Humphrey, Kristin Korb, and Frank Gambale.

In demand for residencies and master classes at prestigious institutions such as the Academy of Contemporary Music (London), Basscool (Lille, France), and Berklee College of Music, Todd’s instructional videos and books are published worldwide by Alfred Publishing, Inc.

“Johnson’s sophisticated chord melodies are unrivaled amongst his contemporaries…his innovative bass playing style is anything but traditional.” – Bassically.net

“Todd Johnson brings more than mastery to the electric bass; he brings a new vision of the instrument that greatly expands its musical horizon. Todd has found the freedom of extra strings, and as such has developed a distinctive solo voice on his instrument.” – Jim Fisch

West by Northwest

West by Northwest

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) ***West by Northwest*** brings together four highly acclaimed artists who have performed worldwide with a who’s who of jazz.  The band’s live performances embrace jazz’ past, present, and future,... Read more

($25-$35 | 7pm & 9pm shows) ***West by Northwest*** brings together four highly acclaimed artists who have performed worldwide with a who’s who of jazz.  The band’s live performances embrace jazz’ past, present, and future, with a great chemistry and an adventurous, hard-swinging style.

Trumpet master **Jason Carder** (Yanni, Maria Schneider, Ray Charles, Woody Herman), Tucson, AZ pianist **Angelo Versace** (Take 6, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton), and the swinging rhythm team of bassist **Tom Wakeling** (Lee Konitz, James Moody, Mel Torme), and drummer **Dom Moio** (Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Ahmad Jamal) join forces only a handful of times each year to perform as West by Northwest. Their time together on the bandstand is always a musical highlight of the year, both for them and for their audiences!

West by Northwest’s compositional maturity, musicality, humor, energy, and crushing groove always leave audiences wanting more!

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