Event Calendar

The Glendale Community College Jazz Program, under direction of Ben Hedquist, appears in concert with The Nash Jazz at Glendale program, directed by Clark Gibson & Ben Hedquist.  

An Evening with Mesa Community College Jazz Studies: Paul Brewer, Director & Nick Manson As one of the first jazz studies programs in Arizona, the Mesa Community College Department of Jazz Studies is dedicated to teaching America’s true art form: Jazz. Offering classes in Jazz Improvisation, History, Theory, and Composition, as well as a wide array of jazz ensembles and combos, students of all backgrounds can learn with the MCC jazz faculty who also work in today’s music industry and are masters in their field. Alumni and recent graduates have succeeded in establishing careers in the performance and education of…

West by Northwest brings together four highly acclaimed artists who have performed worldwide with a who’s who of jazz.  The band’s live performances embrace jazz’ past, present, and future, with a great chemistry and an adventurous, hard-swinging style. Trumpet master Jason Carder (Yanni, Maria Schneider, Ray Charles, Woody Herman), pianist Angelo Versace (Take 6, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton), and the swinging rhythm team of Tom Wakeling (Lee Konitz, James Moody, Mel Torme), & Dom Moio (Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Ahmad Jamal) join forces only a handful of times each year to perform as West by Northwest. Their time together on the bandstand…

From the mid-1970s through the early 90s, Francine reigned as the most popular jazz and blues vocalist in the Valley.  In fact, she was still winning New Times/Best of Phoenix awards  after she moved to Atlanta!  Francine appeared with her bands Jazz Alive and Fever at venues such as The Boojum Tree, Chuy’s and Chuy’s Next Door/The Night Club, Churchill’s Pub and Bombay Bicycle Club, plus numerous festivals and concert halls. She has been part of Lyle Lovett’s Large Band since the mid 80’s, appeared on The Tonight Show, and appeared for many seasons in Seattle’s high-energy dinner-theatre cabaret, Teatro ZinZanni.  What an…

Adam Roberts and Dave Schmidt “Twin Tenors” Adam Roberts-saxophone, Dave Schmidt-saxophone, Dave Henning-piano, Ben Hedquist-bass, Ryan Anthony-drums Adam Roberts & Dave Schmidt celebrate the legacy of the tenor saxophone playing bebop, hard bop, modal jazz, and modern tunes destined to become classics.

Carmela y Más “Afro-Cuban Delight” show brings in summer 2023 with HOT Latin Jazz Salsa. Featuring “La Chicana de la Salsa”, Carmela Ramirez on vocals. Get ready for the moving sounds of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin infused Jazz. Performed by some of the finest musicians in the valley. Salsa Con Sabor! This nine--piece Latin Jazz - Salsa band has graced many stages locally and internationally.

THE DREAM BAND: The Brothers Landau (David & Daniel)-cello & guitar, Cathie King-violin, Thano Sahnas-guitar, Sam Russo-drums Annie Moscow is a contemporary poet, a hit songwriter, part-time comedian, and occasional philosopher.  Her very visual songs take the listener right into the picture, often cutting below comfort levels, expressing what others think but don’t dare say.  A riveting performer, Moscow commands the stage as she takes her audience to unexpected places. Her music, a unique blend of jazz, rock and americana, draws on diverse influences ranging from Debussy, Charles Ives and the Beatles, to Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell and Bruce Hornsby.

Jeff Libman-guitar, Mike Kocour-piano, Ben Hedquist-bass, Dom Moio-drums Chicago-born jazz guitarist Jeff Libman is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. As a jazz guitarist, Libman performs frequently in the Phoenix metropolitan area, sharing the stage with some of Arizona’s finest jazz musicians, including Michael Kocour, Brice Winston, Dom Moio, and Eric Rasmussen. His most recent album, Strange Beauty, released on the Cellar Live label, received extensive radio airplay and reached #26 on the JazzWeek chart.

Clark Gibson, Eric Rasmussen, Adam Roberts, Mary Petrich, Paul Brewer-saxophones, Arsen Nalbandian-piano, Bailey Zick-bass, Connor Sample-drums Supersax was born from the brilliant idea of harmonizing Charlie Parker's iconic bebop solos for an entire section of saxophones. During their 16 year career they performed thousands of concerts, released 11 albums, won a Grammy for Best Instrumental performance and set a ridiculously high bar for ensemble playing. The Nash Supersax Band now pays tribute to the ultimate tribute band, bringing back to life the original Med Flory arrangements from the 1970s. If ypu love jazz and the saxophone, you will love this show! 

Lisa  THEE’ Oracle Hightower and her band will take you on a musical journey that explores uncovers and relays the beautiful relationship between gospel & jazz music. They will demonstrate the common thread of improvisation that both genres embody, the beauty of playing what the music calls for in the moment and the joy of audience participation through call & response. You can also expect to hear some of your favorite songs from other genres but mostly….just expect to have an Uplifting Good Time! www.lisahightowermusic.com