WHAT TO EXPECT Hailed as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” James Fernando leads his dynamic Philly-based jazz trio with a refreshing take on the piano trio format. Known for their deep musical chemistry and engaging interplay, the trio crafts a joyful and exhilarating journey for listeners. Steeped in the tradition of jazz greats,…

WHAT TO EXPECT Steinway Artist Kelly Green transforms emotional experiences into whimsical jazz worlds. She plays and sings with the mysterious knowingness of someone who has felt deeply and returned wiser, now offering musical gifts wrapped in rhythm and rhyme. A pianist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Green leads her trio through theatrically intricate, lyric-driven ballads,…

WHAT TO EXPECT SARAH TOLAR & JASON CARDER PLAY SARAH VAUGHAN & CLIFFORD BROWN Acclaimed vocalist Sarah Tolar and trumpet virtuoso Jason Carder join forces to celebrate one of jazz’s most iconic collaborations — the 1955 album Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown. Hailed as Vaughan’s favorite recording session and inducted into the Grammy Hall of…

WHAT TO EXPECT Experience the exhilarating sounds of Edu Ribeiro, a two-time Grammy Award–winning drummer and one of Brazil’s most electrifying musical forces. Hailing from São Paulo, Ribeiro brings his world-renowned trio to celebrate the release of their latest album, Caipora—a vibrant collection of original Brazilian jazz compositions penned by the band’s members. With infectious…

WHAT TO EXPECT Cutting-Edge Women in Jazz celebrates the rich and evolving musical landscape shaped by influential women from the early 1900s to today—honoring jazz giants such as Mary Lou Williams, Ingrid Jensen, Roxy Coss, Marianne Trudel, and Renee Rosnes. At the heart of this celebration is Mary Petrich, a dynamic saxophonist, composer, and educator…

WHAT TO EXPECT Ashley Pezzotti is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, blending the elegance, rhythmic sophistication, and infectious joy of the great jazz vocalists who came before her. Just in her 20s, Pezzotti has already made her mark, touring and recording with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at…

WHAT TO EXPECT Join Phoenix-based guitarist Jeff Libman for an evening of soulful, swinging organ trio jazz featuring organist Michael Kocour and drummer Jacob Eary. Together, they bring fresh takes on standards, popular songs, and originals—drawing on classic organ trio traditions while delivering a sound that’s unmistakably their own. Libman, praised as “a sensitive guitarist…

WHAT TO EXPECT Experience the timeless music of the legendary Ray Brown Trio—a tribute to one of jazz’s most influential bassists and bandleaders. Ray Brown was not only a master of the upright bass, but also a visionary musician, composer, and innovator whose impact on jazz remains unmatched. This performance celebrates his legacy with fresh…

WHAT TO EXPECT Matt Lennex and the Giants of Jazz make their Ravenscroft debut following a string of sold-out performances across the Valley. Led by 6’9” trombonist Matt Lennex, this powerhouse ensemble lives up to its name—bringing together some of the finest musicians in the Phoenix jazz scene for an unforgettable night of big sound…

WHAT TO EXPECT Kris Johnson is a trumpeter, composer, and educator based in Detroit. With contributions to six GRAMMY-nominated albums as a trumpeter and arranger, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra, Kris is a recognized force in the industry. His career highlights include touring globally as a member…

WHAT TO EXPECT Born in Havana, Cuba, José Marcos Crego Tamayo is a world-class pianist, composer, and producer whose vibrant career bridges Afro-Cuban roots and contemporary jazz. A graduate of the Amadeo Roldán Music School and son of legendary trumpeter José Miguel Crego “El Greco,” Tamayo has performed with renowned groups including Klimax, Los Dan,…

WHAT TO EXPECT A true Jazzbird Nights fan favorite, O.M.G. (Our Musical Genre) returns for another unforgettable performance! This all-star group—featuring the dynamic trio We3, Grammy Award-winning bassist Mel Brown, and internationally acclaimed drummer Dowell Davis—delivers a genre-defying experience that blends everything from Bluegrass to jazz, and classical to country. Known for their incredible chemistry…

WHAT TO EXPECT Experience an evening with saxophonist Adam Roberts, one of Arizona’s most versatile and dynamic musicians. Blending jazz, funk, rock, and classical influences, Roberts brings a bold and expressive sound to the stage. Known for his work with artists like Michael Bublé, Idina Menzel, and George Russell, Adam delivers performances that are both…

WHAT TO EXPECT Led by MaryAnne Muglia, a jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer based in Arizona, the ensemble features a dynamic group of Arizona jazz musicians who bring a fresh, collaborative energy to the stage. Drawing inspiration from Duke Ellington, Blossom Dearie, James Moody, Ella Fitzgerald, Esperanza Spalding, and other jazz greats, they bring an…

WHAT TO EXPECT Get ready for an unforgettable night of powerhouse vocals and timeless tunes as the legendary Francine Reed makes her return to the Jazzbird Stage. Known as “The Queen of the Blues,” Francine brings her signature soul, sass, and show-stopping presence to the stage, performing favorites like “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues,”…

WHAT TO EXPECT Mikailo Kasha is an award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Miami, Florida. Currently considered to be among “the top 1% of bassists worldwide”, as stated by Scotty Barnhart of the Count Basie Orchestra, Kasha is a dynamic bandleader, versatile sideman, and a prodigious voice on both upright and electric bass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql47FBr_KVc…