($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Saxophonist Rob Scheps returns to the Century Room to celebrate the great saxophonists of Blue Note Records!

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 great saxophonists of Blue Note Records. This tribute will honor the iconic artists who have shaped the label’s rich legacy, including Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon and more. Scheps, who has played with a diverse array of musicians from Aretha Franklin to Buddy Rich, brings his own distinctive voice to the saxophone, blending influences from these jazz giants with his personal style. His performance promises to be a dynamic exploration of Blue Note’s storied history, offering both homage and innovation. Audiences can look forward to an evening of classic compositions and fresh interpretations, reflecting Scheps’ deep connection to the jazz tradition and his commitment to keeping it alive for contemporary audiences

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.

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Saxophonist Rob Scheps performs for a 2nd night presenting the music from Porgy & Bess! Originally released in 1925 as the novel “Porgy”, the story was faomously set to music in 1935 by George Gershwin for the Opera “Porgy & Bess.”

PORGY & BESS

Join acclaimed jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps for an evening of music celebrating two major milestones in American culture: the 100th anniversary of DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy” and the 90th anniversary of George Gershwin’s opera “Porgy and Bess”. This special concert pays tribute to the enduring legacy of these groundbreaking works through a dynamic jazz reinterpretation of their most iconic themes including bold new arrangements of classics like “Summertime,” “My Man’s Gone Now,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” Don’t miss this unique tribute to two pillars of American art, brought vividly to life through the language of jazz.

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.

($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!

($15-$25 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CJO 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 (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Kevin Ravellette & Simeon Roth (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Jonas Heidebrecht (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet).

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Grupo Arizona returns to the Century Room for an excellent summer residency! Each month features a different featured soloist.

This month, the group is joined by Dr. Edward Goodman!

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 + DICE fess | 6:30pm show) Welcome back the Wholly Cats Swing Club & Chelsee Hicks to the Century Room!

Wholly Cats Swing Club are Tucson’s ambassadors of the Great Swing Era, specializing in the music of the Benny Goodman. They have quickly gained a following as Tucson’s premier Swing Band and have been performing at several dance and jazz venues in the area while helping give rise to the live local dance scene.

Chelsee Hicks (vocal) Marc Rosen (clarinet & saxophone) Chris Peña (piano) Michael Grigsby (bass) Christopher Constantine (drums)

The band was formed by Marc Rosen and Tony Spear, whose mutual love of these artists sparked an idea for a dance band with multi-generational appeal. In addition to the songs of Goodman and Christian, their repertoire includes popular classic hits by Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Louie Prima and even contemporary artists like Tom Waits and Imelda May.

Stick around afterwards for our Soul Jazz Lounge at 8:30pm.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Daring and versatile, American drummer Jonathan Pinson is making his mark across genres and generations. Whether it’s jazz legend Herbie Hancock, saxophone colossus Kamasi Washington, or artistic icon Seal, Pinson brings his bold and empathic musicality to every composition and scenario.

The leader of “Boom Clap,” Pinson is an international artist and educator who aspires to bring joy and healing to the listener through the power of storytelling. Jonathan Pinson’s Boom Clap will be doing a Live album recording in the Century Room June 6 & 7. Catch the magic and be part of history!

with

Mario Castro – Tenor

Kyle Miles – Bass

Andrew Renfroe – Guitar

Taber Gable – Piano

Jonathan Pinson – Drums

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Daring and versatile, American drummer Jonathan Pinson is making his mark across genres and generations. Whether it’s jazz legend Herbie Hancock, saxophone colossus Kamasi Washington, or artistic icon Seal, Pinson brings his bold and empathic musicality to every composition and scenario.

The leader of “Boom Clap,” Pinson is an international artist and educator who aspires to bring joy and healing to the listener through the power of storytelling. Jonathan Pinson’s Boom Clap will be doing a Live album recording in the Century Room June 6 & 7. Catch the magic here and be part of history!

with

Mario Castro – Tenor

Kyle Miles – Bass

Andrew Renfroe – Guitar

Taber Gable – Piano

Jonathan Pinson – Drums

($15 tickets | 3pm doors) Kick off Pride month at Fruit Cocktail Lounge on Sunday June 8!

Join your friends, family and community at Tucson’s premiere LGBTQIA+ jazz cocktail party for a special Pride edition featuring unforgettable performances by host Tyler Wright, Dennis Tamblyn and Prizm from Desert Voices chorus along with the Fruit Cocktail Combo led by our fabulous friend, Khris Dodge! Enjoy downtown Tucson’s only jazz club for a delightful afternoon with stellar entertainment, signature craft cocktails, delectable small plates and fabulous fellowship.

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

Come get a little fruity at Fruit Cocktail Lounge! 3-6pm, 21+

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($5-$10 + DICE fees | 6:30pm-9:30pm) Come sit in with multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid and the Century Room house band! Band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam until 9:30pm. Musicians who sit in get in FREE!

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night in the Century Room. This week we will play a special set for dancers in the Club Congress!

Based on the overwhelming success of the International Jazz Day Celebration on the Hotel Congress Plaza, the CJO will host a SWING DANCE on Monday June 9 with dance instructor Rodrigo Romero of the Tucson Swing Cats. Dance lessons starts at 6pm followed by two sets of LIVE swing music performed by the Century Jazz Orchestra at 6:30pm & 8pm. Come learn some Lindy Hop moves and then participate in the social dance!

Ticket price include the swing dance lesson at 6pm. There will be limited number of chairs for General Admission, but you can guarantee a seat with Preferred Seating at our two top tables! Don’t plan on sitting much because we’ll have you dancing in no time…

Thank you to the AZ Swing Cats for providing the dance floor. Discounted GA student tickets available at the door with valid ID.

THIS EVENT IS IN THE CLUB CONGRESS (The CJO will return to the Century Room next week…)

Arthur Vint (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz (trumpet) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Simeon Roth & Joseph Rader (alto sax) Kevin Ravellette & Simeon Roth (tenor sax) Tim Buechler (bari sax) Arthur Vint (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Kevin Ravellette & Simeon Roth (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Jonas Heidebrecht (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet).

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Grammy Award-winning arranger, composer, pianist and bandleader Bill Cunliffe returns to the Century Room! This time, he will be joined by Colin McIlrath (bass) and Arthur Vint (drums).

BILL CUNLIFFE

Jazz pianist, composer and Grammy Award-winning arranger Bill Cunliffe is known for his innovative and swinging recordings and compositions. Bill began his career as pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson and James Moody. He has since established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozen albums under his name.

Bill currently plays with his trio; his big band; his Latin band, Imaginación; and his classical-jazz ensemble, Trimotif. He performs in the U.S. and around the world as a leader and sideman as well as a soloist with symphony orchestras.

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) NYC organist Pat Bianchi, Nash Education Director Clark Gibson, esteemed guitarist Matt Mitchell and Century Room Artistic Director and drummer Arthur Vint form a super group for one very special night in the Century Room!

PAT BIANCHI

Pat Bianchi has never been afraid to take the concepts of “Jazz Organ” into new directions. His playing draws from a wide range of musical influences including organists Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco (both who mentored Bianchi in his early years) but also encompasses other instrumentalists and approaches that stretch beyond the Hammond B-3 world. The result is a unique and creative voice of the organ that acknowledges the tradition while looking forward at the same moment.

CLARK GIBSON

Clark Gibson is a jazz saxophonist, composer and the Director of Education at The Nash in Phoenix, AZ. He is a highly sought after adjudicator and clinician throughout the country. His forward-thinking music is strongly rooted in the traditions of jazz musicians of the 20th century, the history of Western classical music, his own life experiences, as well as musical traditions from cultures across the globe.

MATT MITCHELL

A graduate of the University of Arizona’s classical guitar program in the ’90s, Matt has gone on to become the top call jazz guitarist in the Southwest. Playing everything from country to modern jazz, Matt co-leads the Hot Club of Tucson, which is dedicated to the music of Django Reinhardt. Matt is a mainstay on the Century Room scene, regularly perfroming in our Thursday night organ trio, Monday night Jazz Orchestra and with many other ensembles.

ARTHUR VINT

Drummer, composer, educator and general musical impresario Arthur Vint has been described as a ‘musical chameleon’ as he is able to shape-shift to meet the needs of any style of music and always does so with the right colors for the job. Equally adept at playing modern jazz, early jazz, big band, salsa, country, pop or rock, his drumming style is based around a strong sense of time and arrangement, leading the band from behind with creative grooves and textures.

($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!

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

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) With 35 albums under his own name, NYC guitarist Dave Stryker has built a formidable career both as a leader and collaborator with legendary jazz artists like Stanley Turrentine and Jack McDuff. He returns to the Century Room for the 4th time!

“Messin’ with Mr. T” is the name of his 2015 album, which was inspired by his tenure in Turrentine’s band. He revisits the music of Stanley Turrentine backed up by saxophonist Kevin Ravellette, organist Chris Peña, and drummer Arthur Vint.

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Century Room welcomes back vocalist Felíz Torralba as she sings Ella on Congress with an all star band featuring Chelsee Hicks!

Vocalist Felíz Torralba has a background in musical theatre and has in adult life found a deep love for jazz. She performs at the Century Room regulary at the Sunday night jam session and sold out her last featured concert here. For this show she tackles the First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald!

Featuring Kevin Ravellette (sax) Jeremy Anderson (trumpet) Thoger Lund (bass) Greg Ashbaugh (drums) with Chelsee Hicks (vocals)