($15-$25 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)

Join us for a big band bash featuring the University of Arizona’s large group ensembles!

The U of A jazz program is overseen by Dr. Angelo Versace, and currently offers a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies.

At the moment there are two big bands – the Studio Jazz Ensemble (or SJE) and the Concert Jazz Band (or CJB)- as well as two small ensembles – the Fred Fox Jazz Ensemble and the UA Experiential Ensemble.

The program’s flagship groups, the Studio Jazz Ensemble and the UA Jazz Ambassadors, have had numerous high profile performances to its credit, including two tours to China, a performance in the Yuma Village Jazz series, a performance as the invited showcase at the ABODA State Jazz Festival in Phoenix, two performances in Nogales, Mexico as part of a cultural exchange with the US State Department, and a performance in Las Cruces, New Mexico as part of the Onate Jazz Festival. Recent guest artists with the band include Terell Stafford, Joe Lovano, Gerald Clayton, Mike Moreno, Brian Lynch, Chris Potter, Joel Frahm, John Fedchock, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, Michael Davis, and Troy Roberts.

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

There are three combos this year:

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

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

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

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

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Multi-instrumentalist Marco Rosano leads Marco & The Polos through a swingin’ night of traditional jazz every other Wednesday!

“Hot Jazz Wednesdays” take you back to the roots of jazz with music from the 1920s and ’30s. Every 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday, Marco & The Polos perform music from New Orleans. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays are reserved for the Hot Club of Tucson, which performs French Jazz Manouche in the style of Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli.

($30-$40 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Naomi & Her Handsome Devils is a modern band with a vintage sound that has been swinging dance floors around the world. Original but authentic – in the pocket but bringing the party – they have performed at every major dance festival and competition there is, as well as many major jazz clubs and have been featured at Lincoln Center for their “Midsummer’s Night Swing.” Described as a “velvet-voiced chanteuse” by Time Out New York, Naomi Uyama is the perfect bandleader, curating her band’s repertoire to transport audiences and dancers alike to another era.

Naomi Uyama was an international swing dance champion searching for the perfect band to perform at swing dances and festivals. After searching the world over, she took it upon herself to form her own group, “Naomi & Her Handsome Devils”in 2013. Now based in Mineapolis, MN, Naomi calls on the best musicians from all the major jazz hubs from New York to New Orleans to perform with her. Naomi & Her Handsome Devils have cemented their reputation as the premier swing band of the 21st Century!

“Beautifully crafted melodic swing.” – Michael Steinman Jazz Lives

For this performance, she’s joined by Jason Carder (trumpet) Aidan Schofield (trombone) Brice Winston (saxophone) Ed DeLucia (guitar) Leo Stealey-Euchner (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

This event is sponsored by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in partnership with The Century Room with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for late night with Bassist Thoger Lund and his band!

($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Come to the Century Room for an evening celebrating the enduring legacy of bebop master Barry Harris, presented by the NYC based James Austin Jr. Quartet. Barry Harris was one of jazz’s most influential pianists, composers, and teachers and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the bebop language, shaping generations of musicians through his performances and his mentorship. This special program highlights his compositions and signature approach to harmony and improvisation.

Pianist James Austin Jr. studied extensively with Dr. Barry Harris and now serves on the board of the Barry Harris Institute of Jazz. He brings his NYC quartet with him including trumpeter Joe Magnarelli who is celebrated for his virtuosic and lyrical phrasing, bassist Adam Gay, a dynamic and versatile presence on the NYC and Tucson scenes, and legendary drummer Roy McCurdy, whose storied career includes collaborations with icons like Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Rollins. Together, this quartet will channel the spirit and sophistication of Barry Harris, delivering a night of swinging, soulful, and authentic bebop.

Joe Magnarelli (trumpet) James Austin Jr. (piano) Adam Gay (bass) Andrew Flores (drums)

($10-15 + Dice Fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for a tribute set to Jaco Pastorius, one of the most influential figures in modern music.

Pastorius revolutionized the electric bass in the 1970s with his fretless sound, use of harmonics, and melodic approach to the instrument. His 1976 debut album set a new standard for bass playing, while his work with Weather Report brought his sound to an international audience.

Despite a brief and turbulent career, his impact remains foundational. This performance draws from key moments in his life and music, honoring a legacy that reshaped the role of the bass in jazz and beyond.

This performance features JC Chiriguayo (bass) Troy Covington (drums) Chris Peña (keys) Carlos Solis (percussion) Simeon Roth (sax)

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 4:30pm) Come celebrate trumpeter Jibrael Alsooz’s Univeristy of Arizona senior recital! This is the culmination of years of work and study, so come support Jibrael as he closes this important chapter.

($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-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Inspired by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra, plus classics from Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and much more! An intergenerational ensemble, the CJO fosters community with students, teachers and professionals performing alongside each other and is supported by the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative 501(c)3. Come relive the magic of the big band era every Monday as the CJO keeps the music alive and thriving in the 21st Century!

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

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

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Grupo Arizona returns to the Century Room after a succesful summer residency and keeps the music going!

Grupo Arizona is a dynamic classical and jazz fusion chamber ensemble rooted in Mexican and Latin musical traditions, based in Tucson, Arizona. Their mission is to elevate and expand the reach of the rich musical genres from Mexico and across Latin America. Their performances pay homage to the original artists while also serving as a creative outlet for them to explore their own musical education and creativity through unique arrangements.

($15-$25 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) A romantic jazz experience where familiar songs meet fresh interpretation. ‘The Jazzmantics’ bring new life to pop favorites and timeless standards with lush arrangements and subtle groove.

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm Show) Space Travelers Union Presents: KAZOKU (Family): A Chamber Jazz Project Honoring Family, Heritage, and Continuity

This project brings to life the folk compositions of Kenji Ono Lancaster’s grandmother, Yoko Ono. These songs are rooted in peace, life, and intergenerational connection. Originally written in Japanese, these works have been carefully transcribed and reimagined for a contemporary ten-piece chamber jazz ensemble.

The music preserves the original melodies and language while expanding the harmonic and textural landscape through modern jazz orchestration inspired by the likes of Maurice Ravel, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Mei Semones. Strings, woodwinds, pedal steel, piano, upright bass, drums, vocals, and guitar create a spacious, lyrical, and deeply personal sound.

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

Space Travelers Union is a creative-musician collective formed in the Arizona desert through the meeting of composition, improvisation, and electronic signal. Operating with a rotating cast drawn from the American Southwest, 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.

($25-$35 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Saxophonist Rob Scheps returns to the Century Room to celebrate the 100th year since John Coltrane’s birth!

Rob Scheps, a seasoned saxophonist known for his work with jazz legends such as Gil Evans and John Abercrombie, is set to perform a concert celebrating the music and legacy of John Coltrane. This tribute honors one of the most influential figures in jazz history, whose visionary approach to harmony, rhythm, and improvisation reshaped the language of the music. Scheps, who has played with a diverse array of musicians from Aretha Franklin to Buddy Rich, brings his own distinctive voice to the saxophone, channeling Coltrane’s spirit of exploration while maintaining a deeply personal sound. His performance offers a dynamic exploration of Coltrane’s body of work, balancing reverence with forward motion. Audiences can expect an evening of classic compositions and searching improvisations, reflecting both a deep connection to the tradition and a commitment to its continued evolution.

For this performance, he’ll be joined by Thøger Lund (bass) Jason Carder (trumpet) Angelo Versace (piano) Arthur Vint (drums)

ROB SCHEPS

Oregon native Rob Scheps began playing tenor sax at age nine. After studying at the New England Conservatory, he led groups like the True Colors Big Band and Rob Scheps Core-tet. Moving to NYC in 1988, he expanded his career, playing with the Gil Evans Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. He has worked across jazz, classical, theater, and pop music, recording over 35 albums, including his acclaimed releases “Comencio” and “Live at Smalls”. Rob Scheps often garners comparisons to Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, but as a composer, arranger, and player, Scheps has his own sound.

($10-15 + Dice Fees | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, join saxophonist Simeon Roth along with his band for Late Night!

($25-$35 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Join us for night two of Saxophonist Rob Scheps celebrating the 100th year since John Coltrane’s birth!

Rob Scheps, a seasoned saxophonist known for his work with jazz legends such as Gil Evans and John Abercrombie, is set to perform a concert celebrating the music and legacy of John Coltrane. This tribute honors one of the most influential figures in jazz history, whose visionary approach to harmony, rhythm, and improvisation reshaped the language of the music. Scheps, who has played with a diverse array of musicians from Aretha Franklin to Buddy Rich, brings his own distinctive voice to the saxophone, channeling Coltrane’s spirit of exploration while maintaining a deeply personal sound. His performance offers a dynamic exploration of Coltrane’s body of work, balancing reverence with forward motion. Audiences can expect an evening of classic compositions and searching improvisations, reflecting both a deep connection to the tradition and a commitment to its continued evolution.

For this performance, he’ll be joined by Thøger Lund (bass) Jason Carder (trumpet) Angelo Versace (piano) Arthur Vint (drums)

ROB SCHEPS

Oregon native Rob Scheps began playing tenor sax at age nine. After studying at the New England Conservatory, he led groups like the True Colors Big Band and Rob Scheps Core-tet. Moving to NYC in 1988, he expanded his career, playing with the Gil Evans Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. He has worked across jazz, classical, theater, and pop music, recording over 35 albums, including his acclaimed releases “Comencio” and “Live at Smalls”. Rob Scheps often garners comparisons to Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, but as a composer, arranger, and player, Scheps has his own sound.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm show) After Saturday night’s show, join guitarist Matt Mitchell & his band for Late Night!

($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 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 | 10:30pm Show) Alassane is a singer, songwriter, and musician currently based out of Tucson, AZ. With a wide array of influences, his music reflects a singular voice and lives at the center of a varied expanse of musical interests and ideas. Originally born in Montreal but raised in the U.S, he majored as a jazz pianist at Arizona State University. While supporting himself with music full-time, he wrote and produced his first EP in 2020 entitled ‘Yield”. This led to collaborations with Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Rachel Eckroth (St. Vincent, Chris Botti) and acclaimed bass player Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Donny McCaslin). This collaboration resulted in the 2021 release of the song “Moot Points”.

Along his career Alassane has shared the stage with many notable musicians as a sideman- such as Jenny Lewis during Harry Styles’ “Love On Tour”, and Courtney Marie Andrews (including her NPR Tiny Desk Concert). In the Winter of ‘21, after returning from tour, Alassane suffered significant injuries sustained in a car accident. This was followed by a long period of rehabilitation and recovery. He released the single “It Stopped For Once” in April of this year and is currently recording his first full length LP debut.

($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.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with saxophonist Ryan Wheless and his band!

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!