($10-$15 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm Sets) Drummer & percussionist Aaron Szabo (Zona Libre, TLJN, et al) brings us “Los Esquineros”, a Latin jazz project co-led with pianist Amilicar Guevara and guitarist Matt Mitchell. Expect a blend of of Brazlian, Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms mixed with jazz melodies.

Joining Los Esquineros this week is Colin McIlrath on bass and SPECIAL GUEST Ali Salcedo on percussion! Salcedo is the top call Latin percussionist in the Pheonix area and we are very lucky to have him travel to Tucson for this show.

Two sets at 6:30pm & 8pm!

($25-$35 + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm sets) Welcome back the powerful Miki Yamanaka and her NYC Trio to the Century Room for their annual appearance! They are celebrating the release of her newest album “Chance” on Cellar Records.

Miki Yamanaka (piano) Pablo Menares (bass) Jimmy Macbride (drums)

Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” – Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most celebrated release, “Chance” (Cellar Music), features her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the “New York Scene” via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series cleverly titled “Miki’s Mood” where she features a veritable who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator – drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.

As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with Jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart who posits “Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan.” Other notable bands she currently works in include the Harish Raghavan Quintet and The Mingus Bigband. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ (Yamanaka also performs on organ frequently), Larry Goldings, once mused, “If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me!” – a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. She has a myriad of glowing reviews from her recorded work and the iconic Downbeat Jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her albums high marks.

On top of her exciting work as a bandleader in New York and abroad, Miki can often be found out and about most nights, where her infectious smile and gregarious nature engender fast friends in every audience she encounters. She has many hobbies, including cooking, knitting, and perhaps most visibly, her penchant for wearing her vast collection of kimonos on her gigs, proudly representing her heritage and culture night after night as she dazzles audiences around the world.

($20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) Join the talented alto saxophonist Eric Nakanishi as he unveils his highly anticipated new album, The Tucson Sessions Vol. 1. On this exciting new project, Nakanishi collaborates with a stellar lineup of musicians, including Angelo Versace on piano, Scott Black on bass, and Arthur Vint on drums.

The Tucson Sessions Vol. 1 captures a series of intimate, unrehearsed moments from Nakanishi’s recording sessions on April 10 2024 at Jim Brady Studios in Tucson. The album showcases his compositions and collaborative spirit, pushing the boundaries of jazz. Don’t miss your chance to witness this performance in support of an fantastic new album by local artists!

($10-$15 | 10:30pm & 11:30pm Sets) After Friday night’s show, stick around for Late Night with swinging drummer Kenji Lancaster and his band!

($25-$35 Tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8:30pm Shows) John Koozin & the Neighborhood is a vibrant ensemble that reimagines songs from films and cartoons—infused with joy, nostalgia, and neighborhood warmth. The project reflects Koozin’s experience as a performer and educator in Sunnyside, Queens, blending tradition with innovation. Featuring Alan Acosta (saxophone) Robbie Lee (piano & vocals) John Koozin (bass) Chris Garriga (drums)

“John has a knack for bringing together talented musicians who perfectly elevate one another and the event itself. ‘John Koozin and the Neighborhood’s’ performance was a highlight of our Jim Henson events at MOMI, and we can’t wait to have them back.” — Museum of the Moving Image

John Koozin is a New York-based bassist, composer, and educator whose narrative-driven playing draws inspiration from cinema, visual arts, literature, faith, video games, and close collaborators. Koozin seeks to spark dialogue and unity through sound.

In New York and beyond, John has carved out a dynamic career as both a leader and sideman. He has performed at premier venues such as Birdland Jazz Club, Lincoln Center, Smalls, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the United Nations. International highlights include appearances at the Berne Jazz Festival (Switzerland) and Star Eyes (Japan), as well as performances with the Houston Symphony and the Metropole Orkestra. He has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as Jason Moran, Joel Ross, Adam O’Farrill, Antonio Hart, Kalia Vandever, Matt Wilson, Arta Jēkabsone, François Rabbath.

($10-$15 + DICE fees | 10:30pm & 11:30pm sets) After Saturday night’s show, join guitarist Jude Poorten and his band !

($15-$25 + DICE fees | 4pm doors | 4:30pm show) Somewhere in the Pennington Street laboratories on the fringes of Tucson’s jazz and classical scenes evolve the Pennington Hours, a genre-evasive collective led by composer-drummer Anteo Fabris. The intercontinental lineup — featuring players from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Century Room orbit — blends common-law jazz, dream-like impressionism, and rhythmic trance into a communal sonic ritual.

Chris Molinari – guitar

Juan Mejía – synth, percussion

Nick Burton – bass guitar

Anteo Fabris – drums

($5-$10 + DICE fees | 6:30pm-9:30pm) Come sit in with special guest saxophonist Alan Acosta and his band! Band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam until 9:30pm. Musicians who sit in get in free!

($20-$30 tickets + DICE fees | 6:30pm & 8pm sets) Come hear the University of Arizona’s Studio Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Angelo Versace! The students will perform an opening set at 6:30pm, followed by a set by our very own Century Jazz Orchestra. Come celebrate the next generation of jazz stars!

1/2 Price Student admission with valid student ID.

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!

Some of the musicians you can expect to see on Mondays:

Arthur Vint, Pete Swan, Kenji Lancaster, Fred Hayes (drums) Colin McIlrath, Scott Black (bass) Angelo Versace, Chris Peña, Peter Saxe (piano) Matt Mitchell (guitar) Tim Buechler (bari sax) Kevin Ravellette, Simeon Roth, Dave Long (tenor sax) Eric Nakanishi, Joseph Rader (alto sax) Jordan Robison, Joshua Schanie, Benjamin Constantinides, Aidan Schofield (trombone) Morani Sanders, Addi Smith, Anthony Gibes, Tony Belletti, Jibrael Alsooz, Jason Carder (trumpet).