2 New Spaces, 1 New Future: What to Expect from Our Expansion

Earlier this year, we announced plans for a multimillion-dollar expansion of our jazz venue and education facilities in downtown Phoenix. This expansion will manifest in two new spaces, which will both open this weekend!

  • The Nash Jazz Club, our signature jazz venue on Roosevelt Row, will serve as a culture hub, solidifying the rightful place of jazz as a cornerstone of the Phoenix arts scene.
  • The John Dawson Jazz Education Center at The Nash, a brand new 3,200 square-foot education facility just across the parking lot, is set to be a creative and welcoming safe space for students to hang out, build friendships and create together.

While the new spaces will come with exciting upgrades and amenities – many of which we divulge in this blog – we are perhaps most excited that these spaces will allow us to expand our jazz education offerings, bringing more people in to understand the importance of jazz as both a national cultural touchstone and a source for building creativity and confidence, especially in our younger patrons.

Read on to learn about the newest and best amenities of the new spaces:

The Nash Jazz Club

Grand Reopening Weekend is October 30 – November 3, 2024

1. A brand new, elegant jazz lounge

A larger stage, lush and elevated lounge seating and a new lighting system will create a true jazz club ambiance for every event. The new space will accommodate more visitors per show and the larger stage will accommodate larger ensembles and big bands.

2. Enhanced spaces to bring comfort to guests and performers

An enhanced green room will give performing artists a private entrance with direct access to the venue and a comfortable place to prepare before the show. A redesigned and expanded lobby and box office will improve guest flow and experience at our jazz shows.

3. Expanded bar and menu

An expanded bar area will provide a more sophisticated guest experience for events and programs alike. The Nash’s bar will serve wine and beer during events, with offerings changing seasonally. Light bites are also available for purchase.

4. Opportunities for youth to perform on the venue stage

Students and youth benefit from rehearsing and performing on stage at The Nash. Our remodeled venue will allow for ensembles, jam sessions, rehearsals and student groups to perform on a larger stage in a world-class venue, gaining confidence and experience on their way to becoming professional musicians. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses taught by touring musicians throughout the year.

The John Dawson Jazz Education Center at The Nash

5. Three rehearsal rooms of various sizes

One large and two smaller rehearsal rooms offer space for multiple ensemble rehearsals to occur simultaneously. This also gives us the opportunity to expand our available programming.

6. Central conference room and student workstations

We know school is always the top priority regardless of after-school activities. Most of the time, students have to wait until they get home to work on their homework, but at the new John Dawson Education Center, a central conference room and open-space workstations give students the opportunity to work on homework or projects while at The Nash.

7. Recording studio and future music technology

These exciting new technology spaces will help develop students into viable musicians across the genres of jazz, hip hop, pop and more. Students can record college audition pieces and learn about music through the assistance of STEM curriculum.

*Note: our recording studio is still under development and not yet available as of the Grand Opening.

8. Access to jazz greats

Throughout the year, student musicians at The Nash will have access to masterclasses taught by touring jazz professionals in the Nash Jazz Club — completely free of charge. Students also have access to half-price discount tickets for all performances at The Nash Jazz Club.

9. Adults can learn, too!

For the first time, adults will also be invited to participate in jazz education. This fall, an adult education ensemble will be added to the roster on Tuesday evenings. No prior experience is required to participate. Simply come with an open mind and a tap in your shoe.

10. Accessible location

The Nash Jazz Education Center is located across the parking lot from The Nash Performance Venue, allowing close proximity to a world-class performance venue and all its amenities. At the northeast corner of Roosevelt Street and First Street, it’s also within walking distance to a light rail stop, bus stops and the freeway.

11. Help our spaces shine

The growth and expansion of our events and programs is only made possible by generous supporters in our community. Help us offer more dynamic programming, more music opportunities for students, and more jazz music for all by making a donation today.