Tucson, AZ—From the artistry of 16 -time Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera, to the rhythm of Sheila E. & The E-Train, the 2025 Tucson Jazz Festival (TJF) is ready for take off! With over 20 distinct shows, multiple jam sessions, the Downtown Jazz Fiesta free concerts on MLK day, outstanding youth programs, a variety of food and jazz adventures, it’s a talent packed nine days of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. The festival has grown in popularity and acclaim over the 11 years since its inception, attracting new and diverse audiences from all over the country. Tickets and information on all performances and events listed below can be found at TJF 2025
Educational Outreach Programs for TJF-2025
Dominique Eade – New England Conservatory of Music Professor, RCA Recording TJF INTERN, Composer, vocalist and improviser. Dominique will lead a vocal workshop to female students at a local voice studio. Expected attendance to this workshop will be 75-100 students.
Stephane Wrembel – One of the finest guitar players in the world who will hold a masterclass for the guitar studio at Tucson High Magnet Arts School. Expected reach is 75-100 students.
New Jazz Underground – A Young Trio, all young and influential group of musicians from Julliard that have an innate way of connecting to younger audiences. They will hold a performance for the Fine Arts Department at Catalina Foothills High School. Expected reach is 300 students.
Arco Iris Sandoval – Arco is a Tucson native that has made her mark in the professional world, having toured around the world and an in-demand performer in the New York scene. She leads her own ensemble and will hold a performance/masterclass at her alma mater, Tucson High School, to the fine arts students there. Expected reach is 500-600 students
Gunhild Carling – It's nearly impossible to find a performer today that is proficient on more instruments than Gunhild Carling (she plays more than 15). She is also one of the most inspirational human beings to be around. She will work with the UA Jazz Department and perform a concert with the Studio Jazz Ensemble in Fox Theatre.
Stolen Moments – This performance is made for students, 4th-6th grade. It reveals the fascinating interplay between jazz and 20th Century American culture. It gives students a vibrant window into American history and an appreciation of the power of music to unify, inspire, and change the world. This performance will take place at the Fox Theatre and we expect over 700-800 students will be able to attend.
Endea Owens and The Cookout will perform at a special community cookout at Utterback Middle School hosted by City of Gastronomy Chefs for the families and community of Utterback Middle School.
Delectable Events
New this year – three delectable feasts and a wealth of offerings from local restaurants.
Jan 18, 2pm – Rialto Theatre - Endea Owens & The Cookout w/Special Guest Chef Janos Wilder
Known as one of Jazz’s most vibrant emerging artists, Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised Recording Artist, Bassist, and Composer. She has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Cyrus Chestnut to name a few. Endea has a true passion for philanthropy and teaching. She has taught students across the United States, South America, and Europe. In 2020, Endea founded The Community Cookout, a non-profit organization born out of the Covid-19 pandemic that provides meals and music to underserved neighborhoods worldwide. To date, Endea’s organization has helped feed over 6,000 people.
While on stage with Endea, Chef Janos Wilder will prepare his signature "J DAWG". his own creative take on the Sonoran Dog which will be made with heritage ingredients found in the Tucson region. The all-beef dog will be served on a traditional Mexican bun with, Smoked Poblano Crema, Cholla Bud Relish and Chorizo Midnight Black Beans. During the show, he will feed Endea and the musicians J Dawgs and his special Nopalito Fries. For patrons who wish to enjoy the J DAWG - they can purchase theirs in the lobby with proceeds benefiting School Gardens
Sunday, Jan 19, 11:30am – 1:30pm - TJF Sunday Brunch w/Matthew Whitaker At The Grand $125 pp (inclusive)
Bringing a touch of the French Quarter to Tucson, mixed with a little bit of Gospel-Inspired jazz music, join us for our inaugural TJF Jazz Brunch. Enjoy a southern-inspired soulful meal accompanied by a performance from the uber-talented Matthew Whitaker and his band mates. TJF Executive Director, Khris Dodge says, “My jaw has never dropped further or has my smile been broader than after hearing Matthew Whitaker perform. His joy and passion are contagious.”
Jazz Brunch Menu
Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage
Gator’s Gumbo with Shrimp
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Momma’s Homemade Grits
NOLA’s Favorite Red Beans & Rice
Bayou’s Famous Bananas Foster
Drink Special
The Highwire Hurricane
January 21 – 5pm – Pictures at an Exhibition Art and Music Experience with Gabriel Ayala at Corbett’s $225 pp
A fundraiser to Support UA’s School Garden Workshop and the Tucson Jazz Festival’s Education Program
Sponsored by Mark Bahti and Bahti Indian Arts Gallery
A very special evening featuring acclaimed Indigenous guitarist Gabriel Ayala, in an immersive celebration of art, music, and culture. Enjoy a multi course dinner created by Executive Chef Omar accompanied by extraordinary art, and music in a setting that blends history with the vibrancy of contemporary Indigenous culture. The evening begins with a champagne greeting, light appetizers, followed by a dinner on one of Corbett’s spacious indoor Pickleball courts.
Afterward, the party continues in the “speakeasy” lower level where guests can enjoy an immersive Art/Music experience with an exclusive auction of Indigenous art, donated by Bahti Indian Arts and Ayala’s evocative guitar performance while his visual artwork is projected on screens that surround the audience.
Menu
Dinner includes a welcome glass of bubbles and a choice of a glass of red or white wine during dinner.
I
Roasted Beets, Arugula, Goat Cheese, Quinoa, Spanish Almond, Herb Vinaigrette
II
Red Wine Braised Short Rib, Roasted Root Vegetables and Roasted Potatoes
Vegan Option: Soyrizo Zucchini boat with citrus vinaigrette and balsamic, Roasted Root Vegetables and Roasted Potatoes
III
Chocolate Torte
Tucson + Old Pueblo + Jazz = TOPAZZ!
For the second year, restaurants all over Tucson are helping to turn Tucson in January to “Jazz Central” by offering Jazz themed dishes and beverages and live jazz at various locations. Sponsored by Tucson Foodie, listings and locations of all participants are easily available. Information on TOPAZZ partners will also be accessible on the new Tucson Jazz Festival app – TJF2025 which includes an official guide to the entire festival, including artist information, and a scheduling section to keep track of performances.
About the 2025 Tucson Jazz Festival
The world class HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival celebrates 11 years of Jazz in January. Founded in 2014, the mission of the festival is to influence the discovery and celebration of live jazz, to provide a jazz experience that is socially and musically engaging, attracts visitors from around the country and supports music education through community engagement. The nine-day experience is a signature event for Downtown Tucson and plays a significant economic and cultural role in the greater Tucson area. For details on the 2024 Tucson Jazz Festival visit tucsonjazzfestival.org
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