($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) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addit Smith, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz, Jason Carder (trumpet).

($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! Marco and the Polos have carved out a beloved monthly residency celebrating the rich legacy of early jazz pioneers from New Orleans and Chicago. Expect music from the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and more! Each show is a journey through time, blending master musicianship with the raw energy of classic jazz.

*”Hot Jazz Wednesdays” take you back to the roots of jazz with music from the 1920s and ’30s. Every 2nd Wednesday is reserved for the Hot Club of Tucson, which performs French Jazz Manouche in the style of Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli. Every 4th Wednesday features Marco & The Polos performing music from New Orleans & Chicago.*

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm) On the heels of her JazzWeek radio chart topping album RIOFONIC, vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi makes her first westward tour from her home bases of NY, Brazil and Italy. Italian born and Brazilian baptized via her over 20 albums and touring career in Brazil that includes duets with the legendary Milton Nascimento, Joao Bosco and Leny Andrade, Mafalda will surprise with her blend of the Brazilian, American, French and Italian songbook classics wrapped up in an exciting arranging style with NY guitarist Paul Ricci. Their unique takes and improvisational twists blend the familiar with the unexpected. Mafalda connects in a visceral way that has moved audiences from NY’s top jazz clubs to festivals and theaters throughout Europe, S. America and even Bahrain.

“Minnozzi is boundlessly expressive… connecting to each lyric viscerally, regardless of language … where everything including body language and gesture heightens the emotional impact of her delivery. Minnozzi’s approach to a song is one of a kind.” David Adler, editor-in-chief JazzTimes magazine

MAFALDA MINNOZZI

Mafalda Minnozzi has arrived in NY on the jazz scene by way of a long journey across three continents. Originating in Italy and evolving in Brazil to the USA with many stops on the way, the musical language that evolved from her journey comes to light on her latest álbum “RIOFONIC”.

After recording over 20 albums in Brazil, Mafalda’s latest release is her fourth in a series for the American jazz market in collaboration with producer, guitarist and arranger Paul Ricci. Her first was the critically acclaimed Brazilian based “SENSORIAL – Portraits in Bossa & Jazz” (2020) featuring Art Hirahara, Rogerio Boccato, Essiet Okon Essiet, Will Calhoun, Victor Jones and Harvie S. It is still in rotation on WBGO radio and has earned her Latin Jazz Artist of the Month on WUCF radio.

PAUL RICCI

An accomplished stylist born out of the NYC jazz scene and nourished by a life of touring through Brazil, Italy and beyond, Ricci has integrated Brazilian, Latin, African and Caribbean musical accents into something unique as a soloist, composer, arranger and especially as accompanist to vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi.

From his time in the jazz clubs with Jaki Byard, Michael Wolff, Dennis Irwin, Sonny Fortune, David Kikoski, Harold Vick, Victor Jones, Santi DeBriano, Mino Cinelu, Dom Um Romao, Hugo Fattoruso, Mike Clark, Larry Willis and so many others to performances with Bobby Sanabria, Bebel Gilberto, the African Blue Note Band and tours with Astrud Gilberto and Harry Belafonte, it can be said that the musical choices he makes come from a life in the music. His album with Anthony Jackson, Steve Jordan, Randy Brecker and others speaks to the reach of his sound.

His collaboration with Minnozzi has produced over 20 albums and countless concerts that have culminated in RIOFONIC, Minnozzi’s latest that placed in the top 10 on the prestigious JazzWeek chart for a 13 week period.

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm-10:30pm) Come to 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. The Century Room’s Viscount Legend Soul is provided courtesy of the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation.

This week features Doc Holladay & SOUL ORGANization bringing boogaloo, funk, soul and more! The band will play a set at 8:30pm and then open up for a jam sesison! Musicians who sit in get in free!

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Tucson’s tenor titan Brice Winston takes the stage for a powerful retrospective concert celebrating the timeless music of John Coltrane. Winston brings both technical mastery and deep emotional resonance to Coltrane’s iconic works, from the hard-swinging energy of his early recordings to the spiritual intensity of his later compositions. With a sound that is at once commanding and lyrical, Winston pays tribute to one of jazz’s greatest visionaries while offering his own unique perspective shaped by decades of performance and collaboration.

Featuring Brice Winston (tenor & soprano sax) Angelo Versace (piano) Colin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Century Room welcomes back vocalist Felíz Torralba as she brings Broadway to Congress!

Felíz and her band will explore jazz standards in musical theatre from every decade since the 1920s. With household hits like My Favorite Things, On The Street Where You Live, and Anything Goes. This toe-tapping night of live music is sure to enthrall Jazz and Musical Theatre fans alike bringing to light the influence that American Musical Theatre has made on the world of Jazz through the decades.

This musical revue stars local vocalist Felíz Torralba whose background in musical theatre and Jazz date back to childhood. Torralba has long collaborated with local theatre companies as a music director and actress. She has, in adult life, found a deep love for jazz and finds it to resonate with those theatre roots. Felíz would like to educate and entertain the Century Room audience about those connections between musical theatre and jazz standards as they have influenced her as an artist.

with

Max Goldschmid (sax) Jeremy Anderson (trumpet) Alassane Diarra (keys) Colin McIlrath (bas), Teo Fabris (drums)

Dramaturgy by Gaby De Brequet

($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) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addit Smith, 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) Bassist Evan Arredondo, saxophonist Gary Love and drummer Luis Muñoz bring you the Sound of Modern Jazz!

($20-$30+ DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows) Internationally acclaimed bassist Marcos Varela leads a powerhouse ensemble that combines technical brilliance with soulful expression. Whether on upright or electric bass, Varela’s sound is bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Expect an electrifying performance of original works and inspired improvisations that showcase remarkable artistry and unmistakable groove.

Marcos Varela (bass) Brice Winston (saxophone) Angelo Versace (piano) John Davis (drums)

Marcos Varela is an internationally renowned bassist, composer, and bandleader who resonates across jazz, classical, and contemporary genres. A Houston native and graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Varela refined his artistry at The New School in New York City, where he now teaches and mentors the next generation of jazz musicians.

Celebrated by jazz icon Ron Carter as one of the top bassists in the industry, Varela has earned recognition from organizations such as YoungArts, Creative Capital, and South Arts’ Jazz Road. His versatility has led to collaborations with a wide array of jazz legends, including Billy Hart, Ingrid Jensen, Eddie Henderson, Jason Moran, and the Mingus Big Band, as well as crossover artists like Leslie Odom Jr. and The Last Poets.

Varela’s debut album San Ygnacio received critical acclaim, and his follow-up projects, One Mind and Illumination continue to push artistic boundaries. Beyond the bandstand, he coaches the prestigious Herbie Hancock Ensemble and teaches at Montclair State University. Varela boasts a global performance résumé that includes the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and several international festivals, bringing a powerful, expressive presence to every stage he graces.

($30-$40 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) The Century Room is very excited to welcome back the greatest organ trio of our time, Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart!

In the mid 1990s, The New York Times described Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart as “the best organ trio of the last decade.” The trio, which has now been together for over 30 years, has been recognized for charting new ground, with its synergistic playing, and thoughtful music. They have over a dozen recordings, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards, or playing their own original compositions.

“An authentic organ trio with all the size and scope of Mount Everest, and twice the cool” – Jazz Times

LARRY GOLDINGS

With his signature Hammond organ style and versatility on many keyboards, Boston native Larry Goldings (b. 1968) has traversed not only the wide spectrum of jazz where he is perhaps best known, but also the worlds of funk, pop, and electronic music. High in demand as a sideman, Goldings’ sound can be heard on scores of albums by artists in a variety of musical genres.

Over the years, Goldings has been closely associated with John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, Maceo Parker, Madeleine Peyroux, Pat Metheny, and pop artists James Taylor and John Mayer. In 2007, Goldings, Jack DeJohnette and John Scofield, received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Album Individual or Group for their album, Trio Beyond – Saudades (ECM).

Goldings also is active as a composer, arranger, and producer. His compositions have been recorded by Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Sia, Vulfpeck, Lea Michele, Bob Dorough, Jane Monheit, Gaby Moreno, Curtis Stigers, and Toots Thielemans. Goldings’ music also has been featured in television shows and motion pictures, including, The Office, Proof, Funny People, and Neighbors. He scored his first feature film, Dealin’ With Idiots in 2013, directed by Jeff Garlin, and is currently the composer for the upcoming Netflix mini-series, Madam CJ Walker, starring Octavia Spencer.

PETER BERNSTEIN

Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein (b. 1967, New York City) has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 200 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released 12 albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke.

He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as “Live at Town Hall Vol. 2” by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “…has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.” Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “…most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen of records, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions. From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Etta Jones and Nicholas Payton.

Current Projects include a solo record, “Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls” in 2013, the albums “Let Loose” w/ Gerald Clayton, Doug Weiss, and Bill Stewart in 2016 and “Signs LIVE!”, featuring pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, in 2017, both released on Smoke Session Records as well as the highly acclaimed organ trio with organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart with whom he has released numerous albums and toured world wide for almost 30 years. The most recent releases are “Ramshackle Serenade” (2014) and “Toy Tunes” (2018), both on Pirouet records.

BILL STEWART

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, drummer/composer Bill Stewart (b. 1966) made his name as the rhythmic force behind guitarist John Scofield since 1990 and still collaborating with him regularly since 1990. He is now one of the most sought after jazz drummers in the world.

Stewart’s playing is distinguished by its melodic focus, and its polyrhythmic, or layered, character. Although his drumming bears the influence of various melodic and swinging drummers who preceded him, Stewart’s voice is clearly his own, and has influenced a younger generation of drummers.

Stewart has toured extensively with John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Kevin Hays, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Charlie Haden, Steve Wilson, Marc Copland, Bill Carrothers,Nicholas Payton, Joe Henderson and many others in addition to leading his own band on tours in Europe and at the Village Vanguard in New York City.

An excellent composer in his own right, Stewart has made several records as a leader that predominantly feature his own music, bearing the same thoughtfulness, humor, and impeccable taste that one hears in his playing. He has recorded 6 cds as a leader. Stewart’s Blue Note recording “Snide Remarks” was selected as one of the top 10 cds of 1997 by The New York Times, and his latest is Band Menu (2018, self released on cdbabyitunes/amazon), a trio with Walter Smith III and Larry Grenadier.

($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) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addit Smith, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz, Jason Carder (trumpet).

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) The Lovestruck Balladeers enchant audiences with their masterful performances and inspired repertoire of ragtime, jazz and beautiful songs from around the world. They might whip out a lost melody from a forgotten mandolin folio or they might play a Mexican waltz. They might push into a renegade rearrangement of a swing standard or get down with a country rag. Together or on their own paths, this stellar band of traveling musicians has traversed the country and the globe, carrying traditional styles into modern times. Their repertoire is a rare collection of American and international music seldom heard beyond the walls of low-lit dance halls at the edge of the known world.

Dennis Lichtman (clarinet, mandolin, violin) Mike Davis (trumpet) Jake Sanders (guitar) Dalton Ridenhour (piano) Sean Cronin (string bass)

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) The Century Room is proud to present a special Diaspora Showcase, uniting three master musicians whose artistry bridges continents and cultures. Munyungo Jackson has worked with Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, and Sting, brings his deep knowledge of African, Afro-Cuban, and jazz traditions to the stage. He is joined by Rasaki Aladokun, a Nigerian-born talking drum virtuoso whose rhythms are rooted in Yoruba tradition, and Alioune Faye, a Senegalese sabar master known for his electrifying performances and ability to connect the drum’s voice with the heartbeat of the audience. Together, these three artists embody the global story of rhythm as a universal language.

This showcase is more than a concert—it’s a vibrant celebration of the African diaspora and its lasting influence on music around the world. Expect an evening of dazzling improvisation, deep grooves, and cross-cultural dialogue as these world-class percussionists trade rhythms and stories, creating something entirely new in the moment. Whether you are a jazz lover, a student of world music, or simply someone who wants to feel the pulse of the drum in your chest, this rare collaboration promises to be an unforgettable night at the Century Room.

Diaspora Showcase Africa – created by Kwevi Quaye, features the Fashion, Music, Dance, Food and Entertainment of Africa – debuted on September 18, 2004, in Tucson, Arizona, as a fashion drama on the runway. From the 2005 showcase , “The Wedding” to the 2015 “Jazz In Fashion”, the Diaspora Showcase has received critical acclaims and awards for its portrayal of Africa.

Diaspora Showcase has been sponsored by both national and multinational corporations such as Southwest Airlines, Chase Bank, UBS, Essence Magazine, Clear Channel Radio, MAC Cosmetics, Ulta Fragrance and Cosmetics, Lexus, Volkswagen,Albertsons, Cox, PF Chang China Bistro, First Watch, Chapman Automotive and Safeway.The show has received several awards, including the ADDY Awards for Design and Advertising Excellence, and extensive media coverage.

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Tucson-born saxophonist Sergio Tabanico returns home from New York City for a special one-night-only concert celebrating the legendary Thelonious Monk. Taking place on Friday, October 10th—Monk’s birthday—this performance promises a fresh interpretations of the jazz icon’s music.

Thelonious Monk was one of the most important and original figures in the history of jazz. As a pianist and composer, he revolutionized the music with his unique approach to rhythm, harmony, and melody which challenged conventional jazz norms of the time. His compositions, such as “Round Midnight,” “Straight, No Chaser,” “Blue Monk,” and “Well, You Needn’t”, have become standards, known for their quirky beauty and complexity.

Monk collaborated with some of the most influential tenor saxophonists in jazz history, each bringing a distinct voice to his unconventional compositions. Among the most notable was John Coltrane in 1957, but his longest tenured collaborator was Charlie Rouse. Rouse joined Monk’s quartet in 1959 and remained with him for over a decade. Tabanico will draw on these collaberations bringing Monk’s music to life.

Sergio Tabanico (tenor sax) Angelo Versace (piano) Russell Hall (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Whether its a swanky, sophisticated jazz club or a boozy, bombastic rock joint, one thing is for certain, Russell Hall is bringing the party with him wherever he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Miami, Florida, Russell has been playing and recording music since the tender age of 13. He furthered his study of music at the most prestigious conservatory in the world, The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter and Wynton Marsalis. He is currently a preeminent bassist in New York City where his session and freelance work has allowed him to work in virtually every facet of the New York music scene. Stay tuned for his upcoming album “Dragon of the South” on September 12, 2025 on the La Reserve Label.

“Russell is so creative, he has a wildness to him. I like that.” – Wynton Marsalis

Sergio Tabanico (tenor sax) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Russell Hall (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($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) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addit Smith, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz, Jason Carder (trumpet).