Tucson AZ ---The Century Room is celebrating the holiday season with a dynamic December lineup bringing together nationally recognized jazz talent, beloved holiday traditions, and some of Tucson’s finest musicians. From an extended residency by acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III to festive interpretations of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite, the intimate downtown Tucson jazz venue will offer audiences a month filled with world-class live music and seasonal spirit.
Benny Benack III Headlines a Four-Night Residency
One of December’s biggest highlights arrives December 26–30, as Benny Benack III returns to The Century Room for a four-night residency showcasing his versatility as a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader.
An Emmy-nominated musician and one of the leading voices of his generation in jazz, Benack has performed on international stages and collaborated with acclaimed acts including the GRAMMY-winning 8-Bit Big Band and Postmodern Jukebox. Recognized for his commanding trumpet work and sophisticated, Sinatra-inspired vocals, Benack brings a distinctive blend of classic jazz tradition and contemporary energy to every performance.
The residency begins Saturday, December 26, with the Benny Benack III Quintet and continues Sunday, December 27 with a special jazz jam. On Monday, December 28, Benack joins the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra for a powerful big-band performance and culminates on Wednesday December 30th for a “New Year’s Eve Eve” celebration with vocalist Liz Cracchiolo! NYEE has become an annual tradition at the Century Room giving audiences a chance to beat the crowds or celebrate the New Year twice with champagne toasts and great music!
Benny Benack
A Tucson Holiday Tradition: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Throughout December, The Century Room will welcome audiences back for its popular live performances of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, a seasonal favorite that blends timeless melodies with the warmth and sophistication of jazz.
Featuring Century Room Artistic Director Arthur Vint, bassist Scott Black, and pianists Nick Manson and Angelo Versace, the series runs December 11–20, with multiple showtimes across nine days. The performances celebrate Guaraldi’s enduring musical legacy and offer a festive experience for longtime jazz fans, families, and holiday visitors alike. All are welcome and tickets for kids under 18 are half price!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Big-Band Holiday Magic with the Century Jazz Orchestra
The holiday celebrations continue December 14 and December 21–22 with The Century Jazz Orchestra Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. This Century Room holiday tradition features Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s celebrated jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, alongside additional Ellington favorites.
The performances bring the grandeur of big-band jazz into the intimate Century Room setting, offering a distinctive seasonal concert experience for fans of orchestral music, swing, and jazz history.
Le Réveillon à Rio de Janeiro: New Year’s Eve with Katherine Byrnes
Ring in the New Year at the Century Room with Le Réveillon à Rio de Janeiro, a celebration inspired by the vibrant rhythms and festive glamour of Brazil. Experience an evening of irresistible music, Brazilian-inspired elegance, and the intimate atmosphere of Tucson’s premier jazz club as we welcome the year ahead with style. From the pulse of Rio to the sophistication of a midnight soirée, it’s a celebration designed to make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable. Featuring vocalist Katherine Byrnes, plus and all-star band of Brice Winston, Matt Mitchell Angelo Versace, Colin McIlrath, Arthur Vint and Aaron Szabo, the music will reflect the rhythms of Rio exploring music by Jobim, Gilberto, Jorge Ben and beyond.
In Brazil, wearing white on New Year’s Eve is a beloved tradition, symbolizing peace, renewal, good fortune, and positive energy for the year to come. Inspired by the celebrations along Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach, where thousands gather dressed in white to welcome the new year, we invite guests to embrace the tradition with their own touch of festive elegance. Dress in white, raise a glass, and join us at the Century Room for a luminous evening of music, celebration, and new beginnings.
December at a Glance
The Century Room’s December calendar features an exciting mix of acclaimed performers, jazz tributes, holiday classics, and special live music events.
- December 3: Devin Daniels & Julien Knowles Quartet | Now Then
- December 4: Someday We’ll All Be Free: Aria Ratcliff Sings Donny Hathaway
- December 5: Dmitri Matheny & Pete Swan: Louie! Louie! Louie!
- December 5: University of Arizona Concert Jazz Band & Studio Jazz Ensemble
- December 8: Bryan Eng: Talk of the Town Tuesday
- December 10: Liz & Ella Wish You a Swinging Christmas!
- December 11-20: A Charlie Brown Christmas with Vint, Manson & Black, featuring multiple performances throughout the run
- December 14, 21-22: The Century Jazz Orchestra Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
- December 23: Feliz Navidad with Felíz Torralba
- December 24: ’Twas the Jam Before Christmas, led by trumpeter Max Goldschmid
- December 26: Benny Benack III Quintet
- December 27: Jazz Jam with Benny Benack III
- December 28: Benny Benack III with the Century Jazz Orchestra
- December 30: New Year’s Eve with Benny Benack III & Liz Cracchiolo
- December 31: New Year’s Eve: Le Réveillon à Rio de Janeiro with Katherine Byrnes
Celebrate the Season at The Century Room
With an exciting combination of internationally recognized artists, Tucson jazz favorites, intimate live performances, and holiday traditions, The Century Room’s December calendar offers something for every music lover. Whether experiencing the artistry of Benny Benack III, revisiting the nostalgic sounds of Vince Guaraldi, or enjoying the festive swing of a holiday jazz ensemble, audiences can make live music part of their seasonal celebrations.
The Century Room presents over 10 shows each week, with each show offering multiple seating times, and ticket prices. Shows are all ages, except for Late Nights at 10:30pm which are 21+. It is all accompanied by an award-winning craft cocktail and mocktail program and an extensive agave spirits list. For the full December schedule, showtimes, and tickets, visit The Century Room’s website centuryroomtucson.com.
About The Century Room
Located at 311 E Congress at the Congress Hotel, the Century Room is a Tucson destination dedicated to live jazz and the broader musical traditions surrounding it. Located on Congress Street, the intimate venue presents local, regional, national, and international artists alongside recurring series, special events, and late-night performances, creating a space for audiences and musicians to experience jazz in an intimate setting.
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