Tucson, AZ--- This February marks the 3rd anniversary of Tucson’s jazz club, the Century Room! Presenting over 500 bands and over 1,000 sets of music a year, the Century Room has established itself as the epicenter of the Southwestern jazz scene with all branches of the jazz tree represented, from the music’s New Orleans roots to the most modern cutting-edge New York sounds. To celebrate their anniversary, the Century Room’s 17-piece jazz orchestra will be performing with special guest vocalists Joe Bourne, Sarah Tolar, Liz Cracchiolo and Chelsee Hicks, plus more surprises on Monday February 3rd!
The Century Room is also bringing back their very popular Hot Jazz Wednesday series with Marco & the Polos and the Hot Club of Tucson alternating weeks playing music of the 1920s and ‘30s. These shows have two sets at 6:30pm and 8pm. The club’s Thursday night programming continues to highlight amazing small groups at 6:30pm and jazz organ trios at 8:30pm with their Soul Jazz Lounge! Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for their Signature Concert Series which presents two shows at 6:30pm and 8:30pm and has attracted some of the greatest internationally recognized jazz musicians of our time. Coming up in February the Signature Concert Series will feature NYC pianist Kelly Green, Grammy winner Bill Cunliffe, Los Angeles vocalist Jonathan Karrant, NYC saxophonist Troy Roberts, NYC pianist Ethan Iverson and saxophone legend Joel Frahm for a four-night residency!
Founded in February of 2024, the Century Room Jazz Education program continues to present masterclasses to young people, given opportunities for students to attend concerts by jazz masters, and given student ensembles the chance to regularly perform on a professional stage! The program is a partnership with the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation 501(c)3 and more information can be found on their website.
Lastly, the Century Room is excited to launch their new cocktail menu on Friday February 7th. Designed by award winning mixologist Ryne Hoffman, the new menu expands on their craft cocktail and non-alcoholic cocktail offerings. Come check out the Century Room for a night out of authentic swinging jazz and amazing drinks!
For tickets and information on all shows at the Century Room visit www.centuryroomtucson.com. Photos and interviews are available upon request.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Mondays: The Century Room Jazz Orchestra
Tuesdays: Special Events
Wednesdays: Marco & the Polos / Hot Club of Tucson
Thursdays: Local Spotlight & Soul Jazz Lounge
Fridays: Signature Concerts & Late Night
Saturdays: Signature Concerts & Late Night
Sundays: Matinees & Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
Fri, January 31 - Kelly Green Trio | Celebrating Nat King Cole, Shirley Horn and Blossom Dearie ($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows)
Kelly Green and her trio make their Century Room debut as they celebrate the music of Nat King Cole, Shirley Horn and Blossom Dearie! “Kelly Green is one of the most talented & spirited people I know. Everything about her is joyous and swingin’!” -Christian McBride
Kelly Green is one of NYC’s most exciting new artists, “well worth discovering” (NYC Jazz Record). A true “triple threat,” she dazzles as a pianist, vocalist, and composer. Her talent has led her to share the stage with legends like Christian McBride, George Coleman, and Billy Hart, showcasing her exceptional skill and empathy. She’s performed at iconic venues like The Kennedy Center and Blue Note and has SOLD OUT Dizzy’s, Birdland Theater, and other top stages across the U.S., Europe, and South America. Joining her are world-class musicians Evan Hyde (drums) and Luca Soul Rosenfeld (bass). Kelly is celebrated for her intricate, lyric-driven arrangements of jazz standards and “outside-the-box” original compositions. Her set will include music from her acclaimed album Seems and her upcoming release Corner of My Dreams.
Thierry De Clemens calls Seems “an album of incredible class with musicians you’ll instantly adore,” and Michael Bailey (All About Jazz) writes, “She is no mere songwriter, but an artist and performer in toto.” Steinway Artist Kelly Green continues to enchant the jazz world. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance!
Sat, February 1 - Skip Heller’s Voodoo 5 feat. Lena Marie Cardinale: Midcentury Tiki, Exotica & More ($20-$30 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
Skip Heller returns to the Century Room with the Voodoo 5 and Lena Marie Cardinale for a fantastic night of midcentury tiki, exotica, jazz & more! Skip Heller is a creative genius who’s been into so many kinds of music for so long it would make your head spin. From his early days in Philly playing blues guitar to his current 30+ year love affair with Hollywood, Skip’s passion for musical knowledge is insatiable. Sure, he knew Les Baxter, Robert Drasnin, Yma Sumac and other Exotica legends but Skip is no one to rest on his laurels. Skip has learned from the masters and is helping to pass this knowledge down to anyone interested. His latest album “Voodoo 5” is a tour de force of arrangements for exotic vocalist, steel guitar, mallet percussion and Latin-American rhythms.
Sun, February 2- The Gospel According to Grown Folks | A Black History Month Celebration ($20-$30 | 4pm doors | 4:30pm show)
Grown Folks returns to the Century Room stage for a very special Black History Month Celebration! This show will feature Grown Folk’s core trio of musicians: TroyCov on drums, Chris Peña on keys and Joshua ‘The Mad Scientist’ Sailor on bass as well as the Gospel Music Workshop of America Tucson Chapter Choir as they play a selection of gospel songs. Presented with ROUX Events.
The Gospel Music Workshop of America is a non-profit, international, interdenominational, unbiased, and voluntary association of gospel singers and musicians. It also includes ministers, educators, business professionals and higher education partnerships. These partnerships provide continuing education, collaboration, and communication of ideas for the advancement of sacred and gospel music. The Tucson Chapter prominently features Frances Clary “LaLa” Covington who has been a member of the Tucson gospel community since the 80s.
Mon, February 3- Century Room 3 Year Anniversary feat. the CRJO, Joe Bourne, Sarah Tolar, Liz Cracchiolo, Chelsee Hicks! ($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
Join us in celebrating three years of live music at Tucson’s Jazz Club! Our excellent Century Room Jazz Orchestra will be leading the party and will be joined by several special guests and Century Room family including vocalists Joe Bourne, Sarah Tolar, Liz Cracchiolo, Chelsee Hicks and more surprises!! This wonderful show will also act as a FUNDRAISER for the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation’s Century Room Jazz Education Program which supports masterclasses, student performances and free student tickets! Thank you again for making The Century Room possible. We would not be here without our fantastic guests!
Thu, February 6- Bill Cunliffe Trio ($20-$30 Tickets | 6:30pm Show)
Grammy Award-winning arranger, composer, pianist and bandleader Bill Cunliffe makes his Century Room debut! This time, he will be joined by Scott Black (bass) and Arthur Vint (drums). Jazz pianist, composer and Grammy Award-winning arranger Bill Cunliffe is known for his innovative and swinging recordings and compositions. Bill began his career as pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson and James Moody. He has since established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozen albums under his name. Bill currently plays with his trio; his big band; his Latin band, Imaginación; and his classical-jazz ensemble, Trimotif. He performs in the U.S. and around the world as a leader and sideman as well as a soloist with symphony orchestras.
Fri, February 7- Bill Cunliffe with Homero Cerón & The Tucson Latin Jazz Nonet ($30-$40 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
The Tucson Latin Jazz Nonet is very excited to join forces with Grammy winning pianist & composer Bill Cunliffe! The Nonet has been performing Cunliffe’s compositions and arrangements for years, so it will be extra special to get to perform together with him. Featuring Bill Cunliffe (piano) Homero Cerón (vibraphone) Rick Peron (trumpet) Rob Boone (trombone) Jordan Robison (bass trombone) Chris Herald (sax) Colin McIlrath (bass) Aaron Szabo (percussion) Arthur Vint (drums)
Sat, February 8- Jonathan Karrant & Kevin Ravellette play John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows)
Los Angeles based Jonathan Karrant is a celebrated vocalist known for his ability to bring timeless standards to life with warmth, emotional depth, and artistry. For this special show he is teaming up with Kevin Ravellette to perform the classic 1963 John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman album. Featuring Jonathan Karrant (vocals) Kevin Ravellette (sax) Peter Saxe (piano) Ed Friedland (bass) Arthur Vint (drums). Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, he began performing publicly as a child and refined his craft through theatre and music studies, including at the prestigious William Esper Studio in New York City. Early highlights include performing with the Metropolitan Opera in productions like Aida, sharing the stage with legends such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Jonathan’s career flourished in Las Vegas and San Diego, where he became a staple of jazz clubs and supper lounges, collaborating with renowned musicians like pianist Vince Falcone. His acclaimed album On and On reached #4 on the jazz charts, with standout tracks like “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” and “Doodlin’.” Critics praise his smooth tone and storytelling, with Jazz Corner calling him “a great interpreter of song.” Jonathan has performed across the U.S. and Europe, captivating audiences with his signature phrasing and heartfelt connection to music. A Bravo San Diego “Best Singer” award recipient, he remains a modern voice for the Great American Songbook, celebrating the enduring magic of jazz.
Mon, February 10- Jonathan Karrant & The Century Room Jazz Orchestra ($20-$30 tickets | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Inspired by the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece CRJO performs classic big band repertoire every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Tonight features very special guest vocalist Jonathan Karrant as he sings through a variety of classic swingin’ tunes from Sinatra to Joe Williams!
Kenji Lancaster (drums) Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Joseph Rader (bari sax) Kevin Ravellette & Simeon Roth (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi & Jonas Heidebrecht (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jason Carder (trumpet).
Fri, February 14- In The Mood for Love: Joe Bourne & The Century Room Jazz Orchestra ($25-$35 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows)
The Century Room Jazz Orchestra backs up the legendary vocalist Joe Bourne for an incredible Valentine’s Day Special! Bring that special someone to The Century for a date you’ll never forget as Joe Bourne and the band play your favorite romantic jazz classics. 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.
Sat, February 15- Troy Roberts Quartet ($25-$35 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
Three-time Grammy nominated saxophonist, band leader and composer Troy Roberts makes his Century Room debut! This time he’ll be joined by the incredible Angelo Versace on keys, Century Room Creative Director on drums and Colin McIlrath on bass. Embracing his love for a vast variety of stylistic genres, three-time GRAMMY nominated saxophonist, Troy Roberts is quickly becoming one of the most widely recorded touring artists of his time. As a go-to first call saxophonist, his name adorns several essential recordings ranging from the legendary Joey DeFrancesco to the iconic Van Morrison to the quintessential Jeff “Tain” Watts, to the tireless Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, to the critically acclaimed Kurt Elling, to the breathtaking Veronica Swift, including numerous other jazz veterans, and newcomers considered taste-makers of their generation.
Roberts, a New York City based Australian immigrant, is also a prolific leader with sixteen releases to his name. Currently celebrating his latest, Green Lights (Toy Robot Music) featuring John Patitucci, Paul Bollenback and Jimmy Macbride, Roberts maintains a busy recording and performance schedule with his quartet, his original project Nu-Jive, as well as some of the greatest artists of today.
Thu, February 20- John Stowell Trio ($20-$30 | 6:30pm Show)
Join Century Room in welcoming back the inimitable guitarist John Stowell to the stage! Known for his rich harmonic language and an instrument as unique as his approach to the idiom of jazz, John Stowell is a pioneering voice in the music world. John Stowell began his career in the early 1970s, studying with Linc Chamberland and John Mehegan. Teaming up with bassist David Friesen, he formed a celebrated duo that toured extensively across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia for seven years. Their historic 1983 Soviet Union tour marked the first public American jazz performance there in four decades.
Stowell’s international reputation grew through his work as an Artist-In-Residence at schools worldwide, contributing to jazz magazines, and appearing at prestigious events like the PDX Jazz Summit. He received recognition in Downbeat’s International Critics Poll (1978-1979), and his album Through the Listening Glass was named one of the “Ten Best Jazz Albums of the Decade” by the Los Angeles Examiner.
With a rich recording and performance history, Stowell has collaborated with legends like Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, and Art Farmer, leaving a lasting mark on jazz as both a performer and educator.
Fri, February 21- Traq Ataq! Jazz/Grunge Fusion ($20-$30 tickets | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows)
Bassist Sam Trapchak and guitarist Q Morrow join forces to bring us their power jazz/grunge trio Traq Ataq, all the way from NYC! Defines the “hip” that is NYC – this is it, folks!” – Dick Metcalf-Contemporary Fusion Review. TRAQ ATAQ, the NYC trio spearheaded by guitarist Q Morrow and bassist Sam Trapchak, has been making waves across the country with their unique fusion of jazz and rock. Q Morrow, with his virtuosic guitar skills, brings a dynamic and expressive edge to the band’s sound, drawing inspiration from diverse influences ranging from jazz, alternative rock, Brazilian, Afro Cuban, and Indian classical music. His ability to seamlessly weave between genres adds a distinct flavor to TRAQ ATAQ’s music. Complementing Morrow’s prowess is bassist Sam Trapchak, whose deep grooves and sophisticated compositions complete the band’s sound. Together, they create a sonic landscape that pays homage to their diverse influences while pushing the boundaries of jazz/grunge fusion.
Sat, February 22- Ethan Iverson Trio: Technically Acceptable ($25-$35 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
Blue Note recording artist Ethan Iverson returns to Tucson to perform at the Century Room! Time Out New York selected Iverson as one of 25 essential New York jazz icons: “Perhaps NYC’s most thoughtful and passionate student of jazz tradition—the most admirable sort of artist-scholar.” Featuring Ethan Iverson (piano) Colin McIlrath (bass) Arthur Vint (drums)
Pianist, composer, and writer Ethan Iverson was a founding member of The Bad Plus, a game-changing collective with Reid Anderson and David King. The New York Times called TBP “Better than anyone at melding the sensibilities of post-60’s jazz and indie rock.” During his 17-year tenure, TBP performed in venues as diverse as the Village Vanguard, Carnegie Hall, and Bonnaroo; collaborated with Joshua Redman and Bill Frisell; and created a faithful arrangement of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and a radical reinvention of Ornette Coleman’s Science Fiction.
Since leaving TBP, Iverson has kept busy performing with bands led by Billy Hart and Tom Harrell, collaborating with Mark Morris Dance Group on the show “Pepperland”, and has released several of his own albums on ECM, Criss Cross and most recently Blue Note records. Iverson has also published articles about music in the New Yorker, NPR, The Nation, and JazzTimes and his own blog, Do The Math. He will be performing music from his two Blue Note releases, “Every Note is True” and “Technically Acceptable”.
Fri, February 28 & Sat, March 1- Joel Frahm Quartet ($25-$35 | 6:30pm & 8:30pm shows)
For more than 30 years, Joel Frahm lived in New York City, working in jazz clubs, collaborating with other musicians, and honing his craft. His bold, inventive tenor sound has won fans in the U.S. and across the world. He has worked alongside Betty Carter, Kenny Barron, Freddy Cole, Dianne Schuur, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, Bill Charlap, Brad Mehldau, Matt Wilson, Cyrille Aimee, and many other top artists. He has played as a leader or sideman on more than 100 recordings and has appeared at jazz festivals in the United States, Europe, Israel, Canada and South America.
In addition to his work as a performer, he now teaches at Texas State University and has previously taught jazz classes in clinics at the University of North Carolina, the University of Connecticut, New York University, Wichita State University, the University of North Texas, Baylor University, Colorado State University, Furman University, the University of Toronto, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the University of Manitoba and others. He also has worked at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation program; the Sant Andreu Youth Jazz Orchestra in Barcelona, Spain; the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, California; the Center for Jazz Studies at the Israel Conservatory in Tel Aviv; the Czech Jazz Workshop in Prague; and the Siena Jazz Workshop in Italy.
Joel grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and moved to West Hartford, Connecticut as a high school freshman, where he became part of the acclaimed Hall High School jazz band. It was there he developed a passion for jazz, exploring the music of jazz greats such as Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver and Wayne Shorter. In 1992, he received a bachelor's degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
ABOUT THE CENTURY ROOM
A Borderlands Jazz Club & Mezcal Lounge
Since opening its doors in 2022, the Century Room has quickly become one of the premier jazz clubs in the country. Located on the campus of the historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson, the Century Room features a beautiful and acoustically engineered stage, elegant ambience and décor, delicious food, and a robust craft cocktail program. It is truly an escape into another time and place, somewhere between New York, New Orleans, and the Old West. World class music graces the stage nightly, with musicians traveling regularly from New York City, Los Angeles and New Orleans to perform. The Century Room has presented jazz legends including Bill Charlap, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Buster Williams, Paquito D'Rivera and Charles McPherson plus the next generation of jazz greats like Emmet Cohen, Christian Sands, Joel Ross and Linda May Han Oh, among many others. Arizona’s many fantastic local musicians ensure amazing live music nightly. The stage features state-of-the-art sound system and backline, anchored by a Yamaha S5X piano, courtesy of the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation.
The Century Room experience also includes an extensive mezcal and agave spirit list, featuring dozens of ancestral and artisanal mezcals from across Mexico. There are regular agave tastings, flights and features at the Century Room, co-presented with the Agave Heritage Festival. The menu also boasts a robust craft cocktail program inspired by the Southwest that features local flavors, scents, and ingredients. Additional information at centuryroomtucson.com . Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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