Friday, May 2nd, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the VJC Senior Showcase Featuring Nick Finzer (Benefit for Kitchen on the Street)!
Featured artists (first set) include: The VJC Senior Showcase
Outstanding seniors from MSW’s Valley Jazz Cooperative program perform combo jazz alongside guest artist Nick Finzer and leading area jazz musicians.
Featured artists (second set) include: Nick Finzer Quartet, featuring Nick Finzer– Trombone, Russell Schmidt– Piano, Chris Finet– Bass, and Rob Moore– Drums.
About the guest artist… Hailed as a “Rising Star” in the world of jazz (DownBeat Critics Poll), Nick Finzer is making waves in the music industry with his dynamic original compositions and trombone artistry. Finzer has toured the globe as a bandleader as well as sharing the stage with some of the most respected names in jazz. As both a headlining trombonist and an entrepreneur, Finzer is on a mission to spread the joy and power of jazz. In the past ten years, Finzer has released seven critically acclaimed albums, garnering features in the industry’s top publications and placements in the Top 10 of the JazzWeek’s charts. His original compositions have received national recognition through the honor of two ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards, and in 2020 he became a recipient of the prestigious New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America. Finzer’s latest album “Legacy” released last year, celebrates the centennial of trombone legend J.J. Johnson.
The Valley Jazz Cooperative was founded in 2016 and is an educational outreach of MSW Ministries. Instruction is focused on expanding the creativity of VJC members by developing improvisation skills and learning the language of jazz. The program is offered free of charge to eligible, committed, passionate music students (grades 8-12).
100% of all proceeds and donations from this concert will benefit Kitchen on the Street, as the VJC Senior Showcase is annually a fundraising event, in collaboration with MSW Ministries’ Music on a Mission outreach.
Kitchen on the Street is a beacon of hope to food-insecure children in Arizona. Since its founding by the Scarpinato family in 2007, Kitchen on the Street has rallied to serve children in need, with staggering results:
- More than half a million Bags of Hope have been distributed to provide food-insecure children with weekend nutrition.
- 4.6 million meals have been served to food-insecure children and families.
- More than 23,000 volunteers have donated over 131,000 hours to serve those in need.
Experience an evening filled with wonderful jazz and choose from a fine selection of wine, craft beers, and catered dinner options for purchase. Check back here or visit our Facebook page the Thursday before this event for a more detailed dining menu. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the show begins at 7:00 pm.
Reservations for Jazzbird are now available. Click the “Get Tickets” button above to reserve your seats. Prices will range from $16-$28/each.
Jazz & Dine
Menu
5/2/2025
Salad $12
Grilled Chop Salad
Chopped Roma tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, charred corn, grilled peppers, eggs, and a lemon dijon vinaigrette
Meal $16 – $20
Carved BBQ brisket topped with pickled onions & jalapeños ($20) OR BBQ chicken ($16)
Roasted green beans OR Sweet jalapeño slaw
Mary’s Famous Cornbread
Dessert
Try our special Jazz Appreciation Month treat of the week!
Food Provided by : Batchelor’s Pad BBQ
