Jazzbird Nights: Schmidt/Monce Quintet

Patron Early Access: This event is currently available exclusively to Ravenscroft Patrons and will go on sale to the public October 15. Click here to learn more about becoming a Patron and enjoy early access to tickets.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Celebrate the unmistakable sound and enduring legacy of Miles Davis as the Dave Schmidt & Denny Monce Quintet takes the stage to kick off Ravenscroft’s Legends of Jazz Series.

With Denny Monce on trumpet and Dave Schmidt on saxophone, the quintet pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in jazz history, exploring music inspired by Davis’ extraordinary career and the sounds that helped define generations of jazz. Expect cool sophistication, hard-driving swing, blues, bebop, and inspired improvisation, brought to life by five exceptional musicians.

From lyrical melodies and spacious grooves to fiery musical conversations, this performance celebrates the innovation, artistry, and unmistakable musical voice of Miles Davis while giving the quintet room to bring its own personality to the music. Join us for an evening honoring a true Legend of Jazz.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Denny Monce and Dave Schmidt are respected fixtures of the Phoenix jazz community whose musical partnership stretches back more than three decades. After years of performing together in a variety of settings, the two brought their shared love of jazz into a project they call “hard bop and beyond”—celebrating the tradition while leaving room for fresh ideas and musical exploration.

Denny Monce is a Phoenix-based trumpeter and educator who has performed throughout the Western Hemisphere and spent several years studying and performing in Los Angeles. His extensive career has included performances with legendary entertainers including Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Mel Tormé, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, and The Temptations. A passionate jazz musician and educator, Monce also serves on the jazz studies faculty at Arizona State University.

Dave Schmidt is a Phoenix-based saxophonist, educator, arranger, and longtime professional musician. He studied music education at Indiana University and music performance at Arizona State University before building a career spanning more than three decades as both an educator and sought-after performer. His playing combines a straight-ahead jazz foundation with modern influences, bringing versatility, warmth, and an expressive voice to the saxophone.

Together with their quintet, Monce and Schmidt celebrate the soulful spirit and hard-driving energy of classic hard bop while carrying the music forward with their own distinctive sound.

Featured Performers:

Denny Monce – Trumpet

Dave Schmidt – Saxophone

Dave Henning – Piano

Ben Hedquist – Bass

Connor Sample – Drums