Tucson, AZ — The Century Room has cemented itself as home to some of Tucson’s most beloved holiday traditions including the Century Jazz Orchestra's annual performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite", plus "A Charlie Brown Christmas” performed live, and a pre-celebration of "New Year’s Eve Eve”!
This year is no exception with vocalist Katherine Byrnes presenting a special "New Year’s Eve Eve" on Tuesday December 30th for those who want to skip the chaos and crowds of NYE. The wildly popular “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, performed by Angelo Versace, Scott Black and Century Room Artistic Director Arthur Vint, will be presented a whopping TWELVE times across four days (and increase from last year’s nine performances.)
Vocalist Feliz Torralba will also present “Feliz Navidad”, blending jazz sophistication with Latin warmth and Liz Cracchiolo will bring Ella Fitzgerald’s beloved holiday album “Ella Wishes You A Swinging’ Christmas” to life! And on New Year’s Eve, an exciting new theme is being debuted to ring in the new year.
Previous Century Room New Year’s party themes have included 1920s New York with hot jazz from the Wildcat Jazz Band, 1930s Cuba with the Caribbean sounds of the Gabriel Evan Orchestra and last year’s “Midnight In Paris”, which features Jazz Manouche and Chanson from the 1940s Paris. This year’s New Year’s theme is “Songs Of The Silver Screen”, exploring Academy Award Winning soundtracks from the Golden Age of Hollywood performed by vocalist Sarah Tolar and her all-star band. Come walk the red carpet in your finest attire for this black-tie affair, complete with exciting surprises throughout the night as we count down to 2026 in true Century Room style. Expect champagne, glamour, and a celebration worthy of the silver screen—an unforgettable night where vintage charm meets modern sophistication. There will be three performances to choose from at 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 11pm.
Other highlights in December include the Grammy nominated pianist Rachel Eckroth’s acoustic trio, NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal’s trio, guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman & Adam Levy and the return of sensational showman Benny Benack III for a weekend residency!
The Century Room presents over 10 shows each week, anchored by their Monday night 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra, plus Hot Jazz Wednesdays, Thursday local spotlight, Soul Jazz Organ Lounge, Sunday night jam sessions and weekend Signature concerts and Late-Night programming. It is all accompanied by an award-winning craft cocktail program and an extensive agave spirits list. New shows get announced every week so visit centuryroomtucson.com for complete listings and more information. Talent photos available upon request.
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Fri, December 5 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Bruce Halper Sings The Great American Songbook
Bruce Amory Halper is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose work is shaped by his New York City roots, his international travels, and his lifelong passion for The Great American Songbook. Come hear Bruce swing through classics from Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Barbara Streisand and more.
Bruce Halper (vocals) Angelo Versace (piano) Thøger Tentens Lund (bass) Arthur Vint (drums) + Special Guests!
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Sat, December 6 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Rachel Eckroth Trio
Join us for an intimate evening with the Rachel Eckroth Trio, featuring acclaimed pianist Rachel Eckroth alongside drummer Tina Raymond and bassist Destiny Diggs. Known for her boundary-pushing work in experimental and genre-blending projects, Eckroth makes a compelling return to her jazz roots with this powerful trio. Showcasing her deep command of the tradition, Eckroth leads with lyrical phrasing, sharp improvisational instincts, and a reverence for the swing and nuance that define straight-ahead jazz. Featuring Destiny Diggs (bass) & Tina Raymond (drums)
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Mon, December 8 | 6:30PM
Tues, December 9 | 6:30PM
University of Arizona Jazz Ensembles
Join the next generation of jazz musicians as the perform their final semester concerts at the Century Room. Monday night features the 16-piece Studio Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Angelo Versace and Tuesday night features small groups under the direction of Brice Winston, Jason Carder and Arthur Vint.
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Thu, December 11 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Feliz Navidad with Felíz Torralba!
This December, vocalist Felíz Torralba returns to the Century Room for a holiday performance that blends jazz sophistication with Latin warmth. Feliz Navidad is a curated, 70-minute concert that reimagines classic Christmas songs and seasonal favorites through elegant arrangements and cinematic textures. With her signature blend of intimacy and style, Felíz invites listeners into a space of connection and nostalgia — where bossa nova meets winter glow, and every song feels like a toast to the season.
A captivating jazz vocalist known for her soulful tone and refined storytelling, Felíz Torralba has become a leading voice in Tucson’s jazz scene. Her performances draw on a deep love of Latin rhythm, classic jazz, and cinematic mood, creating intimate experiences that feel both timeless and personal. Whether fronting a small ensemble or performing on a grand stage, Felíz brings elegance, authenticity, and emotional depth to every note.
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Fri, December 12 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Liz Cracchiolo sings “Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas”
Celebrate the sparkle and sophistication of a classic Christmas as Tucson favorite Liz Cracchiolo and her swinging band bring Ella Fitzgerald’s beloved holiday album to life. Featuring beloved songs from the iconic holiday album, this show is a stylish tribute to the First Lady of Song. With her signature warmth, wit, and velvet vocals, Liz captures the joy, heart, and rhythm that made Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas a timeless classic. Featuring Liz Cracchiolo (vocals) Jason Carder (trumpet) Ed Delucia (guitar) Scott Black (bass) Pete Swan (drums)
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Sat, December 13 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Ted Rosenthal Trio | High Standards
Welcome back beloved NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal and his trio! They will be performing music from Rosenthal’s recent CD release “High Standards” showcasing his innovative takes on Songbook and Jazz Standards. Ted Rosenthal is one of the leading jazz pianist and composers of his generation. He actively tours worldwide with his trio and as a soloist. He also has performed with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, and James Moody.
Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Rosenthal has released 19 CDs as a leader, including four new CDs in 2025, featuring his distinctive arrangements of the Great American Songbook, reimaginings of classical themes and original compositions. “Rhapsody in Gershwin,” which features his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for jazz trio, reached No. 1 in jazz album sales on iTunes and Amazon.
“Rosenthal’s brilliant arrangements transform familiar tunes into a new way of hearing and experiencing them. Elegant, sophisticated, joyful, gratifying… a great listen from a truly inspired artist.” – NYC Jazz Record, September 2025
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Sun, December 14 | 4:30PM
Rich Hinman vs Adam Levy
Guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman and Adam Levy join forces for an afternoon of soulful, roots-infused, jazz-tinged instrumentals at The Century Room. Known for their work with artists like Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, and Fiona Apple, both Hinman and Levy bring deep musicality and effortless groove to the stage. Their interplay is equal parts conversation and competition as they explore original tunes and reimagined classics in their signature “Rich Hinman vs. Adam Levy” format. Rounding out the band are Bailey Zick on bass and Arthur Vint on drums, two of Arizona’s finest rhythm section players.
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Mon, December 15 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Mon, December 22 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
The CJO Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite!
A Century Room holiday tradition, the Century Jazz Orchestra will be playing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite plus other Ellington classics!
THE NUTCRACKER SUITE
The original cover for the 1960 big band album, “The Nutcracker Suite,” presented three people as the authors, all with equal font size and inhabiting the same line: “Ellington. Strayhorn. Tchaikovsky.” It was as if to announce a convergence of historical import, like a world summit or long-awaited crossover comic. This was not just any old Christmas album, that commercial phenomenon of repackaging holiday hits. By adapting Tchaikovsky’s score for jazz orchestra, Ellington was poised to both widen the appeal of his band and cement his status as a genius composer.
THE CENTURY JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Inspired by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Jazz Orchestra, plus classics from Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and much more! An intergenerational ensemble, the CJO fosters community with students, teachers and professionals performing alongside each other and is supported by the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative 501(c)3. Come relive the magic of the big band era every Monday as the CJO keeps the music alive and thriving in the 21st Century!
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Thu, December 18 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Fri, December 19 | 4:30PM & 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Sat, December 20 | 4:30PM & 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Sun, December 21 |2:30PM & 4:30PM & 6:30PM & 8:30PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas | Vint, Versace & Black
A Tucson holiday tradition! Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room! The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.
This show is 16+, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests 18 and under are 1/2 price!
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Wed, December 24 | 6:30PM-9:30PM
‘Twas The Jam Before Christmas
Multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid leads our annual Jazz Jam Before Christmas! House band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam until 9:30pm. Musicians who sit in get in free!
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Fri, December 26 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Sat, December 27 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Benny Benack III | Third Time’s The Charm
Trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III returns to The Century Room for a highly anticipated weekend residency, bringing his electrifying mix of swing, style, and showmanship back to Tucson! A leading voice of his generation, Benack channels the spirit of the greats—Sinatra’s charisma, Miles’ fire, and Chet Baker’s charm—into a modern sound all his own. With his trumpet in hand and velvet-smooth vocals, he moves effortlessly between hard-swinging bebop lines and heartfelt ballads, captivating audiences around the world from Birdland to the Blue Note.
Over the course of the weekend, Benack will be joined by an all-star rhythm section to deliver an unforgettable series of performances blending straight-ahead jazz, soulful grooves, and dynamic improvisation. Whether he’s scatting, playing screaming lines on his trumpet or leading the band through a blistering standard, Benny’s infectious energy and effortless musicianship make every set a celebration. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of jazz’s brightest young stars lighting up The Century Room once again!
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Mon, December 29 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
Benny Benack III with the Century Jazz Orchestra
Benny is back, this time fronting the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra! Known for his dazzling trumpet work, velvet-smooth vocals, and magnetic stage presence, Benack is one of the most exciting young artists bridging the worlds of classic and contemporary jazz. A fixture at New York’s most celebrated venues and a frequent collaborator with stars like Christian McBride and Veronica Swift, he brings a rare mix of virtuosity, wit, and old-school charm to every performance.
For this engagement, Benack joins forces with The Century Jazz Orchestra, Tucson’s premier big band for an unforgettable evening of swing, lush ballads, and improvisation. Expect bold new arrangements, timeless standards, and the kind of high-energy interplay that only a world-class soloist and powerhouse orchestra can deliver. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Benack and a major musical event for The Century Room—one night of big band brilliance not to be missed!
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Tues, December 30 | 6:30PM & 8:30PM
New Year’s Eve Eve with Katherine Byrnes
Ring in the New Year a night early with Katherine Byrnes as she presents a special New Year’s Eve Celebration on Tuesday, December 30 at The Century Room! One of Tucson’s most beloved vocalists, Byrnes brings her signature blend of glamour, soul, and sophistication to this festive evening. Performing a sparkling set of lush melodies and dreamy textures with Ryan Alfred, Thøger Lund, Angelo Versace, and Casey Hadland, Byrnes creates the perfect atmosphere for those looking to celebrate in style—without the chaos of New Year’s Eve crowds.
Skip the madness and join us for an elegant evening of live music, cozy cocktails, and good cheer as we count down to “midnight” a day early. Whether you’re out for a date night, a gathering with friends, or just a chance to raise a glass in good company, Katherine Byrnes’ New Year’s Eve Eve show promises to close out 2025 on a high note. Dress up, drink up, and celebrate early at The Century Room!
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Wed, December 31 | 6:30pm & 8:30PM & 11PM
Songs Of The Silver Screen | New Year’s Eve Celebration
Step into the glamour of Old Hollywood this New Year’s Eve at The Century Room for a dazzling evening of music, elegance, and celebration! This year’s theme, “Songs of the Silver Screen,” features beloved Academy Award–winning songs from the 1930s through the 1960s, performed by the radiant Sarah Tolar alongside an all-star band including Brice Winston, Matt Mitchell, Angelo Versace, Scott Black, and Arthur Vint. From sweeping ballads to timeless jazz classics, the evening will transport you straight to Hollywood’s golden age with lush arrangements and captivating performances that shimmer with cinematic magic.
Walk the red carpet in your finest attire for this black-tie affair, complete with exciting surprises throughout the night as we count down to 2026 in true Century Room style. Expect champagne, glamour, and a celebration worthy of the silver screen—an unforgettable night where vintage charm meets modern sophistication. Don’t miss your chance to close out the year in spectacular fashion at The Century Room’s New Year’s Eve Eve: Songs of the Silver Screen!
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, 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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