($25-$35 + taxes & fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Boston/NYC Drummer and Vocalist Holly Channell is celebrating the release of her critically acclaimed debut jazz album Not Just a Standard on tour at The Century Room! Playing tunes from the record which are arranged classic jazz standards that pay homage to Wynton Marsalis’ and Lewis Nash’s mission to keep the jazz tradition alive, but with a Channell spin. Mixing odd meters and duple feels along with contemporary jazz drumming and surprise vocals, she will show you these songs are not just standards but the heart of America’s one true original music. Special Guests include famous Trumpeter Jason Palmer, Tucson’s own Angelo Versace on piano and Phoenix’s best Vince Thiefain on bass.

HOLLY CHANNELL

Holly Channell is an American drummer, composer, producer and recording artist based in Boston, MA. Celebrating the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Not Just a Standard, Holly is touring through the US. Critiqued as “unstoppable,” “undeniable,” and “a phenomenon,” Holly has had the pleasure of working alongside Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade and many others. Her debut album houses Benny Golson pianist Mike Kocour, acclaimed Trumpeter Jason Palmer, Arizona’s most called bassist and GCC Department head Ben Hedquist, and is represented by prominent European record label Fresh Sound Records. Holly recently graduated from the distinguished Berklee Global Jazz Institute with a masters in Global Jazz, graduating with distinction, and currently works at the New School in NYC. As a bandleader Holly has played with elite musicians from all over the world, and continues performing, educating and recording her next projects as the present and future of the jazz music scene.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm sets) After Saturday night’s show, join bassist Colin McIlrath & his quartet 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!

($20-$30 + taxes & fees | 6:30pm Show) NYC based drummer Brandon Sanders returns to the Century Room to celebrate the release of his new album “The Tables WIll Turn.” His sophomore recording for Savant pays homage to the influence and memory of his grandmother, Ernestine Parker, in the the album’s first track, “Miss Ernestine.” With his understated, whispery light touch on the drums, Sanders breathes fresh life into favorites, such as Parker’s “Moose the Mooche” and Monk’s “Four in One.” He will also perform selections from his first album, “Compton’s Finest” which chronicals his time growing up in the LA neighborhood.

Sanders moved to New York in 2004 where he has built a career as a social worker, but has also played with many of jazz greats including Joe Lovano, Jeremy Pelt, Esperanza Spalding, Walter Smith III and Warren Wolf. Sanders got a late start on the drums, picking them up at age 25, but now after three decades of drumming he has two albums as a leader under his belt. “It’s about trying to lift people’s spirits,” Sanders says. “That’s what I try to do as a social worker. It’s about making sure that people leave feeling different than when they came in.”

($10-$15 Tickets + taxes & fees | 8:30pm-10:30pm) Join The Century Room every Thursday at 8:30pm for our Soul Jazz Lounge! Each lounge hosts a rotating cast of All-Star house bands and features our Viscount Legend Soul Organ designed by the late great Joey DeFrancesco, complete with the Leslie Speaker. The Viscount Soul organ is a modern recreation of vintage Hammond B3 instruments, which were made famous by jazz organists like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Larry Young, Brother Jack McDuff & Dr. Lonnie Smith.

This week features gospel organ master Travis Motley and his band!

The Thursday night Soul Jazz Sessions offer a classy and relaxing atmosphere spotlighting the Century Room’s Viscount Legend Soul organ with Vortex rotating speaker, a modern recreation of the legendary Hammond B3 organ/Leslie combo made famous by the great jazz, blues, and rock Hammond B3 organists of yesteryear. The Century Room organ is priovided by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation.

($30-$40 tickets + taxes & fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Sasha Berliner, a San Francisco-born musician, composer, producer, and band leader, 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.”

Named the youngest and first female winner of Downbeat’s Critics’ Poll for “Rising Star – Vibraphone” in 2020, Sasha 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 upcoming album, Fantome (2025), solidifying her as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm sets) After Saturday night’s show, join drummer Casey Hadland & his quartet for Late Night!

($20-$30 + taxes & fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Grammy Nominated Pianist, Max Haymer, makes his Century Room debut bringing his esteemed trio, joined by Aidan Carroll on bass, and Rick Montalbano on Drums. Specializing in re-imagined Broadway and Jazz Standards, as well as Afro-Cuban Jazz, Haymer promises to deliver a memorable show filled with power, emotion, drama, and fire!

Since 2015, Max Haymer has been touring and performing extensively with Grammy Award Winner and trumpet legend, Arturo Sandoval, playing at such places as the Blue Note NYC/Tokyo/Beijing, Newport Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, Teatro Opera de Buenos Aires, Sala Sao Paolo, Focsani Blues Fest, Gazarte Athens, Detroit Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz Alley, Blues Alley, Yoshi’s Oakland, and Disney Hall. Haymer was the featured pianist on Arturo Sandoval’s scores for Clint Eastwood’s films, The Mule and Richard Jewell. Haymer is also the pianist on Sandoval’s newest Grammy-Nominated album, Rhythm & Soul.

In 2019, Haymer recorded a 2-night live album at LA’s Sam First Bar, which was later compiled and released as WHIRLWIND: Live at Sam First. The album was released to critical acclaim and has been listened to by audiences in 148 countries. To date, this album is the perfect window to peer into Haymer’s current writing style, playing, and artistry. Haymer became a SouthArts JazzRoads recipient last year and was able to tour this project nationwide.

Over the past 5 years, Haymer has also worked with vocalist Jane Monheit, cultivating a new musical relationship that has blossomed into a stellar partnership. This partnership has now blossomed into duo and quartet shows that have been performed worldwide in Brazil, London, Germany, Italy, India, and Switzerland, as well as numerous venues in the U.S. including, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Yoshi’s Oakland, SF Jazz, Jazz TX, LIBRETTO, Jazz Alley, and the Purple Room Palm Springs. Haymer played and arranged for Monheit’s most recent Self-Titled album, Jane Monheit.

($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 + taxes & 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.

($20-$30 tickets + taxes & fees | 6:30pm Show) Brooklyn-based guitarist Luca Benedetti makes his Century Room debut with a very special groove-infused evening alongside a supercharged rhythm section, featuring Tony Scherr (Bill Frisell, Sex Mob) on bass and Tony Mason (John Scofield, Charlie Hunter) on drums.

Led by Benedetti’s nuanced Telecaster tones, the trio delivers dynamic and expressive improvisations, blending eclectic grooves, low-down twang, and cinematic melodies. Rooted in the rich traditions of jazz and roots music, they craft a soundscape that is both adventurous and deeply steeped in musical storytelling.

A prominent fixture in the New York City music scene since the late ’90s, electric guitarist Luca Benedetti has worked with a wide range of artists and groups, including Jim Campilongo, Hermine Deurloo & Steve Gadd, Ron Carter, Martha Redbone, and former Brooklynite Arthur Vint & Associates. As a solo artist and producer, Benedetti has earned critical acclaim from Relix Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, Gitarre & Bass, Saving Country Music, and Vintage Guitar Magazine, among others.

New York-based jazz musician Tony Scherr plays acoustic and electric bass and guitar in a variety of line-ups. He played with Woody Herman while a teenager. A prolific session musician he’s worked with John Scofield, Norah Jones, Bill Frisell, Ani DiFranco, Al Di Meola, and more. He’s been a member of numerous bands such as The Lounge Lizards, Sex Mob, Jesse Harris and the Ferdinados, and Chris Brown and the Citizen Band.

New York City drummer Tony Mason has toured and recorded with John Scofield, Joan Osborne, Norah Jones, Charlie Hunter, and many others. In the studio, Tony has worked with producers Nile Rodgers, Camu Celli, Ron St. Jermaine, Matt Pierson and the legendary Russ Titleman; he has also played on many commercials and television shows.

The trio has recorded two albums of original material, “We’ll Get There” (2019) and “Ride Awhile” (2023).

“…the music created by this super-tight trio never takes very long to get to a place that feels just right.” – Relix Magazine

“…great tone and tasty playing.” – Everyone Loves Guitar

“…adventurous original jazz.” – Vintage Guitar Magazine

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Saxophonist Greg Abate returns to the Century Room for the 4th time! Known for his acrobatic bebop chops, Greg has been wowing audiences internationally and brings his sound back to the Century Room stage.

Featuring Angelo Versace (piano) Dwight Kilian (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

Greg Abate

New England saxophonist, flutist and composer Greg Abate has enjoyed an extraordinarily diverse international career that has included playing lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra, tenor sax for the Artie Shaw Orchestra, and recording a total of 23 recordings as a leader. He has recorded or performed with many jazz greats including Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, Claudio Roditi, Red Rodney, Ben Riley, George Mraz , Rufus Reid , Claudio Roditi, James Williams, Barry Harris, Richie Cole, Kenny Washington, Hilton Ruiz, and many more.

Greg now tours 275 days a year, is a professor of Jazz at RI College ,and is a Conn-Selmer representative artist conducting master classes as a guest artist at many schools, colleges and universities.

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Piano player and friend of the room Michael Eckroth returns with his band to present a suite of Wayne Shorter’s latin tunes! This time, they’ll be joined by the inimitable Brice Winston on sax!

Featuring Michael Eckroth (piano) Brice Winson (sax) Raul Reyes-Bueno (bass) Joel Mateo( drums)

MICHAEL ECKROTH

Michael Eckroth, pianist and keyboardist, is an active performer in New York and worldwide, having performed extensively with musicians such as jazzicons John Scofield, Ron McClure, Eliot Zigmund and Paul McCandless.

Equally at home in jazz and latin- American music forms, Michael received a grammy nomination for his work on the 2018 Cuban music album Orquesta Akokan, which received rave reviews on outlets such as NPR and France’s FIP. He is also a recipient of a PhD from New York University, former professor of music at Dartmouth College and a current full-time professor of music at FIU.

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

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

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

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

With Jason Martinez (cajon) Olivia Rojas (cante)

($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!