($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm Show) Space Travelers Union Presents: Cecyl Ruehlen

Cecyl Ruehlen (b.1984) is an intermedia artist, performer, educator and curator. While they have led a relatively nomadic life across the US, Ruehlen lives in the Sonoran Desert, morphing iterative actions, collaborative projects, objects and varying recording processes into topological contortions with an array of chimeric instruments and mercurial sound forms. Their forensic mode of composing is guided by deep listening and meteoric super-impositions that distort, abstract, decompose and explode internal and salvaged materials, shaping a practice that is as much drifting through temporary obsessions as it is devotional.

Ruehlen’s prolific and collaborative life has placed them at the nexus of underground and experimental scenes in the western United States in recent years, pouring forth countless albums, performance ventures, shifting monikers, and cultural alliances, largely through operating of a label and DIY spaces, teaching, and touring sporadically since the late ’00s.

This quartet performance, accompanied by Ryan Wheless (saxophone + FX), Kenji Ono Lancaster (drums), and Colin McIlrath (bass), features Ruehlen’s latest construct — the cosmic füga — an imagined zither of flight, inspired by ancient vibrations while simultaneously grappling with contemporary sound worlds and electro-acoustic formations. Fü-ga comes from Latin, meaning to escape, or to activate rapid motion (fugitive | a fugue state). This entirely wooden, two-tiered, double bridged, thirteen string, stereo electrified, horizontal object explodes with the energy and complexity of a chamber group as well as the quiet flicker of a single insect singing at the edge of twilight on a late summer’s eve.

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.

($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer Kevin Hays is internationally recognized as one of the most original and compelling musicians of his generation. He makes his Century Room debut with bassist Rick Rosato and drummer Jimmy Macbride.

Kevin’s live performances are joyous and deeply expressive, blending his lyrical original compositions with exquisite arrangements spanning Milton Nascimento, The Beatles, Wayne Shorter, and Cole Porter. In March 2026, Kevin will record a live album at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City with Thomas Morgan and Brian Blade.

Kevin’s recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, DownBeat, and JazzTimes. Notable collaborations include Brad Mehldau (Modern Music, Nonesuch), as well as world tours with James Taylor, Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, Chris Potter, Roy Haynes, and many others.

“There are plenty of talented pianists… but few have Hays’ melodic charms and sense of style.” – The New Yorker ‘Best of the Year’ list

“A jolt of joy.” – The New York Times

“He’s all encompassing. Phenomenally so!” – John Scofield

“Kevin Hays is a true original. Everything he plays has a deep intelligence and swing.” – Brad Mehldau

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

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) NYC based guitarist Pete Smith and bassist Dave Ambrosio come together for an intimate evening celebrating the timeless music of Antônio Carlos Jobim. A dynamic and widely traveled guitarist, Smith has performed at major international festivals, toured across more than 30 countries, and collaborated with artists ranging from Norah Jones to Donald Byrd and Michael Feinstein’s Carnegie Hall Big Band. His deep connection to Brazilian and Afro-Cuban traditions, particularly through his long-running work with Grupo Los Santos, makes him an especially compelling interpreter of Jobim’s songbook. Alongside him, Ambrosio brings over 25 years as one of New York’s most respected bassists and educators, with a career spanning collaborations with leading jazz figures and appearances in ensembles like the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra. Together, they reimagine classic Jobim melodies with a jazz swing.

Pete Smith (guitar) Dave Ambrosio (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with bassist Adam Gay and his band!

($20-$30 + DICE fees | 4:30pm Show ) Saxophonist, flutist, and composer John David Simon stands as a commanding and distinctive voice in today’s jazz landscape. A seasoned bandleader and internationally recognized performer, Simon brings a rare combination of fiery virtuosity, lyrical depth, and masterful swing to every stage he graces.

Over the course of his career, he has shared the spotlight with iconic artists including Ella Fitzgerald, J. J. Johnson, Jason Marsalis, Chaka Khan, T. S. Monk, and Ray Charles — a testament to his versatility and stature across generations and styles.

His formidable big band credentials include performances with the orchestras of Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jacquet, Artie Shaw, and Jimmy Dorsey, affirming his deep roots in the great orchestral jazz tradition.

Simon’s artistic legacy is further distinguished by his inclusion in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler. His original compositions are published in The Real Philadelphia Book (Temple University Press) and permanently archived in the Library of Congress — underscoring his lasting contribution to the art form.

This performance features Aiden Oh (piano) Adam Gay (bass) and Andrew Flores (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!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Saxophonist and composer John Simon fronts the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra!

JOHN SIMON

Saxophonist, flutist, and composer John David Simon stands as a commanding and distinctive voice in today’s jazz landscape. A seasoned bandleader and internationally recognized performer, Simon brings a rare combination of fiery virtuosity, lyrical depth, and masterful swing to every stage he graces.

Over the course of his career, he has shared the spotlight with iconic artists including Ella Fitzgerald, J. J. Johnson, Jason Marsalis, Chaka Khan, T. S. Monk, and Ray Charles — a testament to his versatility and stature across generations and styles.

His formidable big band credentials include performances with the orchestras of Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jacquet, Artie Shaw, and Jimmy Dorsey, affirming his deep roots in the great orchestral jazz tradition.

Simon’s artistic legacy is further distinguished by his inclusion in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler. His original compositions are published in The Real Philadelphia Book (Temple University Press) and permanently archived in the Library of Congress — underscoring his lasting contribution to the art form.

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. 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!

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) A Comedy Fundraiser for VECINA, an organization devoted to immigrants’ humanitarian legal needs.

Featuring FITZ, GLIX, MEMBRILA & STANLEY with Special Guest Bob Girth

VECINA is a national nonprofit that supports immigrants and the advocates who stand beside them. We provide training, mentorship, and tools to attorneys and volunteers so immigrants navigating detention, deportation, or family separation are not forced to face the system alone. We believe our shared humanity transcends borders, and we work to ensure dignity and due process for all.

($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.

($10-$20 + DICE Fees | 6:30pm Show) Welcome back Bisbee-based early jazz experts Juniper Djinn to the Century Room!

JUNIPER DJINN

Clarinet dreamscapes amongst a sea of melodious waltzes, the billowing sounds of early American jazz, gypsy jazz, and Balkan folk music make up the core sounds of Juniper Djinn. The duos originals reflect a familiar feeling of 30s & 40s nostalgia and timeless tunes ingrained deep within traditional American and European jazz. The duo is best known for their live performances in which they play an array of genres spanning across decades of time and regularly features other musicians from across the globe.

Singer, clarinet player, and rhythm guitarist Jessica Fleet is the main vocal of the group with a voice that has been described as an angel and a demon singing in harmony with her powerful vocals, dynamic vocal range, and deep growl. Famed Baby Gramps quoted her as his “favorite singer” and compared her to the great Bessie Johnson. “That voice is a force of nature and hearing it’s a bright balm shining like a birth cake emerging from a dark wood”. – Charlie Unhau

Multi-instrumentalist Bill Stoller is the other half of the duo with his incredible, studious guitar playing, rhythmic accompaniment, accordion and upright bass on the duos albums. With over a decade of experience playing in different bands and touring Juniper Djinn brings a transformative atmosphere of sound and musicians with each and every show.

($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 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Hailed as “Virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone” by the New York Times, Grammy-Winning Juilliard graduates and identical twin brothers Peter and Will Anderson present the life and music of the iconic American composer Irving Berlin. Songs will include “Cheek to Cheek,” “Blue Skies,” “Putin’ on the Ritz,” and “Always.” Born and raised in Washington, DC, the Andersons have headlined the Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, live on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, and can be heard on the Grammy-winning soundtrack of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks. They received a 2014 Drama Desk nomination for their off-Broadway production of “Le Jazz Hot” and won a 2018 Bistro Award.

For this concert they will celebrate the timeless genius of Irving Berlin. From the infectious swagger of Alexander’s Ragtime Band to the elegant charm of Cheek to Cheek and the bittersweet longing of How Deep Is the Ocean?, this concert journeys through Berlin’s unparalleled catalog of hits. You’ll also hear the buoyant optimism of Blue Skies and the sophisticated swing of Puttin’ On the Ritz, performed by a stellar ensemble that brings fresh energy and heartfelt storytelling to these enduring classics.

WIll & Pete Anderson (saxophones) Peter Saxe (piano) Scott Black (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Ashley Pezzotti is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, blending the elegance, rhythmic sophistication, and infectious joy of the great jazz vocalists who came before her. Pezzotti has already made her mark, touring and recording with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), and icons such as Arturo Sandoval, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and piano prodigy Joey Alexander.

Born to Dominican roots, Ashley crafts original compositions in both English and Spanish, weaving a timeless blend of melodies that echo the classic jazz standards she so effortlessly interprets. Her silky smooth, rich voice and impressive artistry have also taken her to prestigious venues around the world, further solidifying her reputation as an international force in jazz.

Her unique vocal mastery has earned rave reviews, with JLCO trumpeter and arranger Marcus Printup calling her a “singer’s singer” who not only delivers classic standards and original work with ease but also effortlessly holds her own in the world of scat singing, rivaling the skills of any horn player. With a stage presence that captivates and a voice that commands attention, Ashley brings fresh, compelling interpretations to both timeless tunes and hidden gems.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with Los Esquineros! Expect a blend of of Brazlian, Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms mixed with jazz melodies.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) Feel the energy of Tucson’s premiere Salsa band Zona Libre as they light up the Century Room to celebrate the end of the 2026 Agave Heritage Festival! Led by bandleader Hiram Perez, Zona Libre delivers fiery grooves and irresistible rhythms from across Latin America including Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and more with a jazz flair.

The Agave Heritage Festival is a four-day celebration in Tucson, AZ, the destination for “all things agave”. Created to explore the cultural, sustainable, and commercial significance of the agave plant and borderland culture, the festival features an impressive list of events with a strong focus on sustainability. Events include seminars, agave pit roasting, agave spirit tastings and world class culinary events conducted by industry leaders, culinary leaders and spirits professionals.

More information on the Agave Heritage Festival here: www.agaveheritagefestival.com

Presented by Ocho Vago

($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 during the first set performing the music of Duke Ellington. They’re followed by 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!

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) Drummer & percussionist Aaron Szabo (Zona Libre, TLJN, et al) brings us “Los Esquineros”! Expect a blend of of Brazlian, Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms mixed with jazz melodies. Two sets at 6:30pm & 8pm!

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm Show) NYC’s Luca Benedetti Trio is thrilled to return to Tucson after their highly praised 2025 debut. Supporting their third and latest release, “Slow Down For Turtles,” the performance will showcase the trio’s groove-heavy explorations, adventurous interplay, and dynamic approach to ensemble playing.

Luca Benedetti (guitar) Tony Scherr (bass) Tonhy Mason (drums)

“When you can’t quite nail down the style of an artist that’s when it gets really interesting… Blues, California surf, psychedelia, Neil Young, Frisell—but nope, none of these. It’s Luca. Absolutely fantastic.” – Paul Bowman, The Century Room

Benedetti has been a prominent fixture in the New York City Jazz, Blues and Roots music scene since the late ’90s and has worked alongside such varied artists and groups as Ron Carter, Jim Campilongo, Steve Gadd, Chris Lightcap, Joy Askew and many more. For his work as a solo artist and a producer, he has garnered critical accolades from Relix Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, Gitarre & Bass, 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.

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm Show) Space Travelers Union Presents: Tour Kickoff!

Join Space Travelers Union for a special tour kickoff performance where they’ll be debuting new music before they hit the road to Los Angeles, New Orleans, and many other American cities.

Space Travelers Union is a creative-musician collective formed in the Arizona desert through the meeting of composition, improvisation, and electronic signal. 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.

This performance features:

Kenji Wagner (Trumpet + Guitar)

Kenji Ono Lancaster (Drums)

Ryan Wheless (Saxophone + Banjo + Electronics)

Colin McIlrath (Bass)

Eric Nakanishi (Saxophone)

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

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Welcome back New York based guitarist Matt Panayides and his band to the Century Room! Panayides and CR Artistic Director Arthur Vint were classmates together at William Paterson University and continue their musicial relationship into a third decade!

Simeon ROth (saxophone) Matt Panayides (guitar) Adam Gay (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)

Matt Panayides is a highly acclaimed guitarist and composer based in New York City. Influenced by guitar legends such as Jim Hall, John Scofield, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell, he has created a unique sound that has earned him worldwide recognition. Panayides is known for his distinctive playing style and improvisational skills, and he can often be found leading his own groups and collaborating with other musicians both in New York City and abroad.

Panayides is focused on applying concepts developed on his previous three albums to the solo and trio jazz guitar format. He is exploring the American songbook repertoire and compositions by great jazz composers, sculpting arrangements that showcase the natural acoustic sound of his hollow body guitar made by Victor Baker.

($10-$15 | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with the Chris Peña Organ Trio, featuring Matt Payanides (guitar) and Arthur Vint (drums)

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Supremely swinging drummer Ted Bouras leads the Organauts through the music of Wes Montgomery and Johnny Griffin, playing songs from their classic 1962 album “Full House” and more!

Dave Schmidt (tenor sax) Matt Mitchell (guitar) David Paonessa (organ) Ted Bouras (drums)

In the past five years, Prescott-based Drummer/Bandleader Ted Bouras has led and co-led bands at The Century Room, The Nash and Jazzbird/Ravenscroft. Ted has welcomed to Prescott’s Raven Cafe bandstand: Andrew Gross, Dave Henning, Chris Finet, Stan Sorenson, Ronnie Rose, Chris Finet, Selwyn Reams, Yari Dvir, Damian Hagge and many others. This year, Bouras became the first to produce a series of Jazz Concerts at The Cosmos Theater in Prescott. The concerts feature Diana Lee, Beth Lederman, Mike King, David Paonessa, Chris Counelis and Bob Shimizu. Ted has appeared with local favorites, The Goodwin Street Gang, King Copper Jazz Band and during the 2025 Prescott Jazz Summit.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Saturday night’s show, stick around for late night with drummmer Casey Hadland and his band!

($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-$35 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Vocalist Nelly Hawley-Hayes fronts the Century Jazz Orchestra!

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Nelly Hawley-Hayes is a professional musician, composer and songwriter, educator, and certified private sound therapist. She attended the Jazz Vocal program at The Berklee College of Music, and is currently pursuing additional studies in Jazz Performance at The University of Arizona with the intention of completing her DMA in music performance.

Nelly’s voice is versatile, large, and mesmerizing. She sings with the intention of igniting the power of healing through the voice and is motivated by her philosophy that music is spiritual and can heal all wounds. Early influences such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Nina Simone shaped her taste for songwriting and performing and serves as the blueprint for her timbre and vocal resonance.

A performer of 20+ years, Nelly has recently sung at The Century Room, Hotel Congress, the Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley, Tucson Folk Festival, Pima County Fair, St. Philip’s Plaza, Tucson Festival of Books, Deep Sky Vineyards, and other venues and stages in Tucson as well as jazz clubs in Virginia.

She has recorded for the Los Angeles publisher BMG Production Music, the TLAH (LA Hustle) Initiative, recorded her original works with In Your Ear studio in Richmond, VA, and has recorded and produced her own music in her own studio for 18 years.

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:

Kenji Lancaster (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).

($25-$35 + Dice 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 with AR Flamenco.

Angelina Ramirez (baile) is a flamenco movement artist and teaching artist living in Tucson, Arizona. Ramirez’s artistic work explores what it means to be a queer, latinx flamenca, practicing in a traditional Roma/gitano form of dance. As a teaching artist, she is interested in the intersections of arts and healing, focusing on work with elders of all abilities and integrated flamenco with autistic individuals. She is devoted to promoting accessibility and eradicating ableism, racism and bigotry by practicing and promoting dialogue, acceptance and community participation. In 2021 Ramirez received the Master-Apprentice Artist Award through Southwest Folklife Alliance for her dedication and commitment to Flamenco arts. She is a National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures fellow. In 2018 she received the Arizona Commission on the Arts’ Artist Research and Development Grant to support the development of her evening-length work /SER/. Ramirez is an original member of Yjastros, the American Flamenco Repertory Company and has toured with world-renowned, New York-based company Noche Flamenca. Along with teaching and performing Ramirez produces events and festivals and is currently the curator for the Traditional and Ethnic Dance Festival with the Southwest Folklife Alliance.

Misael Barraza Diaz (guitarrista), born in Mexico, is one of the most talented guitarists of his generation. While the artist holds several degrees in classical guitar performance – including a doctorate in musical arts – flamenco guitar has and always will be an intrinsic part of his musical identity. Originally self-taught, Misael went on to study in Spain with renowned flamenco guitarist and educator Oscar Herrero, where he polished his skills as a solo flamenco guitarist. Since then, however, he has become one of the prominent flamenco accompanists in the Arizona region, as his devotion to flamenco and its essence has driven his artistic growth throughout the years. As a result, the artist has performed with all of the major flamenco dance companies and artists in the area and continues to do so while developing a solo guitar career. Misael has released a flamenco guitar CD titled “Luz de Día”, to be soon followed by three more flamenco guitar projects currently being recorded and produced.

with Olivia Rojas (cante)

($15-$25 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Join the Jazz Ambassadors, the University of Arizona’s premier small-group jazz ensemble, in a tribute performance to Charles Mingus, one of the historical masters of jazz music, as we celebrate what would have been his 104th birthday.

Charles Mingus (1922–1979) was a major figure in twentieth-century American music: a virtuoso bassist, pianist, composer, and bandleader. Born in Nogales, Arizona and raised in Watts, he was shaped by church music and early exposure to Duke Ellington. He studied bass and composition formally while learning directly from jazz masters, touring in the 1940s with Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, and Lionel Hampton.

In New York, he worked with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, and Ellington, and quickly emerged as a bandleader. By the mid-1950s, he had formed his own publishing and recording companies and founded the Jazz Workshop to support new composers. His work moved to the forefront of the avant-garde, producing landmark recordings such as *Mingus Ah Um* and *The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady*, among more than 100 albums and 300 compositions.

His large-scale works and collaborations, including *Revelations* and ballet projects, established him as a leading composer. He also taught at SUNY Buffalo and published his autobiography *Beneath the Underdog*. After being diagnosed with ALS in 1977, he continued composing by dictation until his death in 1979.

Mingus received major honors, including Guggenheim grants, and is widely regarded as one of the most original American composers of the twentieth century.

($10-$15 Tickets + DICE fees | 8:30pm Show) The Newest Sound is a hip-hop and jazz collective featuring some members of Tucson’s own Street Blues Family. Featuring ReyMurf (vox), Roch Mirabeau (vox/beats), Ryan Wheless (saxophone + FX), Desmond New (drums), and Patrick Morris (bass), the group blends live improvisation with groove-driven beats in a style informed by the hip-hop/jazz lineage of artists like Robert Glasper.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Joe Bourne brings his After Midnight Sessions to the stage with a program drawn from After Midnight, the landmark trio recording by Nat King Cole. Originally released in 1957, the album remains part of the core jazz vocal canon.

Joe Bourne, an award-winning vocalist with roots deeply anchored in jazz, blues, and spiritual music, hails from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Influenced by jazz legends, he captivates audiences with his warm baritone voice and dynamic showmanship. Performing extensively in Europe, Joe has graced numerous radio and TV programs, jazz events, and prestigious venues. He has shared the stage with icons like Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, and Dionne Warwick. Collaborating with top American and European musicians, he received accolades such as The Diamond of the Year and Kunstler des Jahres awards. With a repertoire ranging from swinging renditions to soulful ballads, Joe Bourne, now based in Tucson, Arizona, continues to deliver his unique vocal entertainment globally.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm Show) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with swinging saxophonist Victor Gutierrez and his band.

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Renowned drummer Dave Potter will take you on a nostalgic groove down memory lane, celebrating your favorite 1980’s hits with music from his recently released album, Retro Groove 2. Potter performs the most tastefully arranged jazz renditions of popular 80’s classic from artists including Whitney Houston, The Doobie Brothers, Paula Abdul, Toto, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rush, Anita Baker and more.

A native of North Carolina, Dave began playing drum set in high school and starting performing with his elders in the Triangle area at the age of 16. Following his graduation from Florida State University, he was chosen from a national pool of applicants to be a member of the Louis Armstrong Quintet at the University of New Orleans. Unfortunately, the tragedy of hurricane Katrina temporarily ended his hopes for a career in Louisiana. Soon after, Dave was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Julliard Jazz Program in New York City. However, after several days of intense meditation he declined the offer and returned to Florida State University, where he received his Master’s Degree after further collaboration with his mentor Marcus Roberts. In 2010, Potter was featured in a novel entitled “The New Face of Jazz” about the younger generation of Jazz musicians making an impact in the current scene. Dave is now located in Atlanta where he maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule while also touring the globe as a member of The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, Greg Tardy, Eric Reed, and Marcus Roberts, as well as his new project as a leader, Retro Groove.

For this performance, Dave is joined by Brice Winston (tenor saxophone) Angelo Versace (piano) and Rob “El Tón” Linton (bass)