VJC Winter Performance
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesValley Jazz Cooperative Winter Performance The Valley Jazz Cooperativeâs three jazz ensembles offer their Winter Performance in Ravenscroft Hall, their first VJC concert of the year. Appearing on the program are the Cerulean and Indigo Big Bands, led by Russell Schmidt, and the Sapphire Big Band, under the direction of Paul Brewer. VJC student ensembles…
JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: Adam Clark Ensemble: 25 Years
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes the Adam Clark Ensemble: 25 Years to the Jazzbird stage! Featured artists include Adam Clark- Drums, Raul Yanez- Piano, Andrew Gross- Tenor Saxophone, and Max Beckman- Bass. Adam Clark started playing the drums at age 11 while living in Frankfurt, Germany and has been a band leader…
CHAMBER @ RAVENSCROFT: Ying Quartet
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesThe Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in classical music, combining brilliantly communicative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today's world. Now in its third decade, the Quartet has established itself as an ensemble of the highest musical qualifications. Their performances regularly take place in many of the world's…
JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: TOM WAKELING – WEST BY NORTHWEST
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesJoin us in Jazzbird for Jazz For the Soul on Sunday, February 25th at 6pm featuring the extraordinary Tom Wakeling on bass! Featured artists include Angelo Versace- Keyboard, Jason Carder- Trumpet, and the Valley's own rhythm master, Dom Moio- Drums. This group embraces past, present, and future jazz with great chemistry and an adventurous, hard-swinging…
Jazzbird Nights: Melanie Chryshelle and The Igniters Ft. Lewis Nash
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, March 1st at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes the Valley's very own Melanie Chryshelle and The Igniters, featuring Lewis Nash to the Jazzbird Stage! Featured artists include Melanie Chryshelleâ Vocals, Lewis Nashâ Drums, Benjamin Cortezâ Piano, and Bailey Zickâ Bass. Vocalist Melanie Chryshelle is prepared to delight, excite and ignite her audience! Chryshelle will perform…
Ashley Pezzotti
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPWo3QnXPbU RAVENSCROFT CONCERT SERIES - Ashley Pezzotti âThe narrative of life, love and promise conjure the sensibilities of a bygone era, something particularly impressive for a 23-year-old vocalist  A sound band, promising voice, excellent song selection and writing mark Pezzotti as a performer to watch.â  âDOWNBEAT MAGAZINE New York vocalist and composer Ashley Pezzotti discovered…
Jazzbird Nights: Eric Rasmussen Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, March 8th at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes the Eric Rasmussen Quartet to the Jazzbird Stage! Featured artists include Eric Rasmussen- Saxophone, Vince Kaufmann- Saxophone, Bailey Zick- Bass, and Connor Sample- Drums. Get ready for an evening of captivating melodies and vibrant rhythms with the Eric Rasmussen Quartet. Saxophonist and Composer Eric Rasmussen brings a…
Jazzbird Nights: Michael Eckroth Group
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesSaturday, March 9th at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes the Michael Eckroth Group to the Jazzbird Stage! Featured artists include Michael Eckroth- Piano, Joel Mateo- Drums, Raul Reyes- Bass, and Maurucio Herrera- Percussion. Experience the vibrant fusion of jazz with Afro-Cuban and Latin influences as Phoenix native and accomplished pianist, Michael Eckroth, takes center stage. Presenting a…
Jazzbird Nights: Claudia Bloom Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, March 15th at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes the Claudia Bloom Quartet to the Jazzbird Stage! Featured artists include Claudia Bloom- Piano, Natalie Gallatin- Saxophone, Ben Hedquist- Bass, and Connor Sample- Drums. Join us for an evening of delightful music with Claudia Bloom as she presents a blend of diverse quartets and duos inspired by…
Jazzbird Nights: The Adams Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, March 22nd at 7:00 pm, Ravenscroft welcomes The Adams Quartet to the Jazzbird Stage! Featured artists include Nicki Adams- Piano, Patrick Adams- Trumpet, Eddy Khaimovich- Bass, and Evan Hyde- Drums. The Adams quartet is a New York-based collaboration between pianist Nicki Adams, trumpeter Patrick Adams, bassist Eddy Khaimovich and drummer Evan Hyde. Formed in…
CHAMBER @ RAVENSCROFT: Aria
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesExpanding the color palette, level of communication, and depth of emotional range, Aria brings the human voice to the Chamber @ Ravenscroft series for the first time. The performance will showcase guest vocalist Stephanie Weiss on chamber works by Loeffler, Porter, and more, in a program that includes repertoire from both classical and popular music styles. Aria features…
JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: DELPHINE CORTEZ FT. JOEL ROBIN & FRIENDS
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesJazz for the Soul is pleased to welcome vocalist Delphine Cortez along with pianist Joel Robin to the Jazzbird stage on Sunday, March 24th at 6pm. Other featured artists include Tony Vacca- Sax/Flute, and Adrian Goldenthal- Bass. They are set to present a lovely evening of vocal jazz music, and other favorite genres spanning from…
PASSION: A Good Friday Experience
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesPASSION: A GOOD FRIDAY EXPERIENCE Friday, March 29th @ 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm Passion: A Good Friday Experience, features a dramatic reading from the Gospel of John, moving musical interludes, and compelling projected visuals in the beautifully appointed Ravenscroft Hall in Scottsdale. Three presentations of this special event are scheduled for Friday, March 29th at 3…
Jazzbird Nights: Zazu West
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, April 5th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes Zazu West. Featured artists include Mike FowlerâLead Guitar, Ryan Vance-Rhythm Guitar, Constance Genter-Vocals, Allen Ames- Violin, Jeff Quamo- Clarinet, and Ted Sistrunk-Bass. ZAZU West is Phoenix's premier ensemble dedicated to Gypsy Jazz, a style devoted to the legacy of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Whether it's Gypsy Jazz, Jazz Manouche, or…
VJC Spring Performance
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesValley Jazz Cooperative Spring Performance The Valley Jazz Cooperativeâs Indigo and Cerulean Big Bands present their Spring Performance in Ravenscroft Hall on Saturday, April 6th at 7pm. Both ensembles are directed by VJC Founder Russell Schmidt. VJC student groups typically perform a wide variety of repertoire, mixing selections from historically significant composers such as Benny Carter,…
Jazzbird Nights: Holly Pyle Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, April 12th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Holly Pyle Quartet. Featured artists include Holly Pyle- Vocals, Raul Yañez- Piano, Mario Mendivil- Bass, and Stephen Avalos, Drums. Los Angeles-based Holly Pyle is a compulsively detail-oriented vocalist and songwriter. Her career in music thus far has been marked by innovative approaches to vocal loop arranging, intense musical vulnerability, and…
Donny McCaslin
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLRlNIK4Llw RAVENSCROFT CONCERT SERIES - Donny McCaslin "Strap yourself in and get lost in this daring soundscape. McCaslin and crew arenât wasting time with baby steps." - Glide Magazine Donny McCaslin is best known as the saxophonist on David Bowieâs last album, Blackstar. The noted composer and bandleader has released a dozen albums over his…
Jazzbird Nights: Michael Weiss Trio
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, April 19th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Michael Weiss Trio. Featured artists include Michael WeissâPiano, Ben Hedquistâ Bass, and Sam Russoâ Drums. For over four decades, pianist, composer, educator and bandleader Michael Weiss has enjoyed a formidable career working in the bands of a who's who of jazz legends: Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, George Coleman, the…
Jazzbird Nights: GEORGE
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesSaturday, April 20th, from 7:30-8:30pm, Jazzbird welcomes GEORGE for a SPECIAL and unique Saturday evening event! Featured artists include Anna WebberâTenor Saxophone & Flute, Chiquita MagicâKeyboards & Vocals, Sarah Rossyâ Keyboards & Vocals, and John Hollenbeckâ Drums. From the Greek name Georgios, which was derived from the Greek word georgos meaning "farmer, earthworker", itself derived from the elements…
Jazzbird Nights: West by Northwest
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, April 26th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes West by Northwest. Featured artists include Tom WakelingâBass, Angelo Versaceâ Piano, Jason Carderâ Trumpet, and Dom Moioâ Drums. West by Northwest brings together four highly acclaimed artists who have performed worldwide with a whoâs who of jazz. The band's live performances embrace jazzâ past, present, and future, with a great chemistry…
Mark Guiliana
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZEuekbAjzg RAVENSCROFT CONCERT SERIES - Mark Guiliana Hailed by The New York Times as "a drummer around whom a cult of admiration has formed." Grammy-nominated superstar drummer & composer Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, St. Vincent, Brad Mehldau) brings an adventurous spirit, eclectic palette and gift for spontaneous invention to a staggering range of styles. Equally…
JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: RUSSELL SCHMIDT QUARTET
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesThe Russell Schmidt Quartet returns to the Jazzbird stage to perform a wide-ranging program featuring jazz classics, songbook standards, and original compositions at Jazz for the Soul on Sunday, April 28th at 6pm. Featured artists include Russell Schmidt- Piano, Mary Petrich- Saxophone, Ben Hedquist- Bass, and Ryan Anthony-Drums. Russell Schmidt As a performer, composer, conductor, and…
Jazzbird Nights: VJC SENIOR SHOWCASE FEATURING JOHN WOJCIECHOWSKI (BENEFIT FOR HART PANTRY)
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, May 3rd, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes MSWâs Valley Jazz Cooperative alongside guest artist John Wojciechowski (Benefit for HART Pantry). Featured artists (first set) include: VJCÂ Senior Showcase Outstanding seniors from MSWâs Valley Jazz Cooperative program perform combo jazz alongside guest artist John Wojciechowski and leading area jazz musicians. Featured artists (second set) include: John Wojciechowski…
VJC SPOTLIGHT CONCERT FEATURING JOHN WOJCIECHOWSKI (BENEFIT FOR HART PANTRY)
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesVJC Spotlight Concert Featuring John Wojciechowski (Benefit for HART Pantry) The ensembles of the Valley Jazz Cooperative educational program will share the stage for the final time this season, joined by guest saxophonist John Wojciechowski. The Sapphire Ensemble (led by Paul Brewer) and the Cerulean and Indigo Big Bands (directed by Russell Schmidt) will play a wide-ranging…
Jazzbird Nights: Rob Moore & Friends
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, May 10th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes Rob Moore & Friends. Featured artists include Rob Mooreâ Drums, Ioannis Goudelisâ Piano/Keys, Max Beckmanâ Bass, and Liam Connorâ Trumpet. Get ready to swing and join Rob Moore & Friends on a musical journey through the hard bop era and beyond. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or new to…
Dennis Rowland with the New Guard Big Band
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nysk8VXPmo RAVENSCROFT CONCERT SERIES - Dennis Rowland with the New Guard Big Band *SOLD OUT* Dennis Rowland is beloved by jazz devotees and theatergoers around the globe. The Detroit native and Phoenix, Arizona resident was the voice of the world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra between 1977 and 1984, where he shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald,…
Jazzbird Nights: Bijan Taghavi Trio ft. Luther Hughes & Dom Moio
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, May 17th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Bijan Taghavi Trio Featuring Luther Hughes & Dom Moio. Featured artists include Bijan Taghaviâ Piano, Luther Hughesâ Bass, and Dom Moioâ Drums. Bijan Taghavi is one of the most in-demand pianists of his generation and among the leading voices in jazz piano education. As a leader, the Bijan Taghavi Trio…
CHAMBER @ RAVENSCROFT: Celebration
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesThe second season of Chamber @ Ravenscroft concludes with a rousing Celebration. The concert features an international roster of collaborative artists in a varied program highlighted by Antonin DvoĆĂĄkâs Piano…
Jazzbird Nights: Arsen Nalbandian Trio
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, May 24th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Arsen Nalbandian Trio for their album release concert! Featured artists include Arsen Nalbandianâ Piano, Kenji Wagnerâ Bass, and Micah Mirandaâ Drums. The Arsen Nalbandian Trio is a local jazz piano trio featuring Kenji Wagner on bass and Micah Miranda on drums. The trio will be presenting original arrangements of Great…
JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: WE3 & SHEILA EARLEY
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesJazz for the Soul welcomes We3 & Sheila Earley on Sunday, May 26th at 6pm. These ladies are a powerhouse of talents combined, featuring vocalist Renee Grant Patrick, violinist Suzanne Lansford, pianist Nicole Pesce, and drummer Sheila Earley. Enjoy some timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards, and so much…
Jazzbird Nights: RaĂșl Yañez and Zona Libre
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, May 31st, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes RaĂșl Yañez and Zona Libre. Featured artists include RaĂșl Yañezâ Piano, Xavier Yañezâ Bass, Tony Valenzuelaâ Congas, and Adam Clarkâ Drums. Join us for a wonderful evening with RaĂșl Yañez and Zona Libre, a dynamic ensemble led by the talented pianist and educator RaĂșl Yañez. Born and raised in Silver City, New…
Jazzbird Nights: Or Bareket Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesSaturday, June 1st, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Or Bareket Quartet. Featured artists include Or Bareketâ Bass, Godwin Louisâ Saxophone, Jeremy Correnâ Piano, and Savannah Harrisâ Drums. Born in Jerusalem to parents of Moroccan, Iraqi, Argentinian, and Eastern European descent, raised between Buenos-Aires and Tel-Aviv, and based out of Brooklyn since 2011, Or Bareket is one of the…
Jazzbird Nights: Natalie Gallatin Quintet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, June 7th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Natalie Gallatin Quintet. Featured artists include Natalie Gallatinâ Saxophone, Arsen Nalbandianâ Piano, Ray Lebertâ Guitar, Ben Hedquistâ Bass, and Lewis Nashâ Drums. Natalie is a saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator, recording artist, and activist based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a 21st century torch-bearer for the performance, education, and re-evaluation of…
Jazzbird Nights: Rosetta Verde Flamenco Trio
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, June 14th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes Rosetta Verde Flamenco Trio feat. Shea Marshall and Martin Gaxiola. Featured artists include Emerson Laffeyâ Drums/Cajon, Kris Hillâ Guitar, Adrian Goldenthalâ Bass, Shea Marshallâ Piano/Sax/Harmonica/Clarinet/Accordian/Flute, and Martin Gaxiolaâ Dancer. Rosetta Verde met years ago in Jazz ensemble at ASU. They formed a funk/fusion band that they dubbed Green Rosetta. Later, members…
Jazzbird Nights: Roots of Unity
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, June 21st, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes Roots of Unity. Featured artists include Alex Yuwenâ Piano, Kenji Wagnerâ Guitar, Max Beckmanâ Bass, Mahesh Subramanianâ Mridangam and Jordan Tompkinsâ Drums. Congratulations to Ahmad Jamal, Igor Stravinsky, and T. R. Mahalingam on the birth of their beautiful newborn baby: Roots of Unity.  The godfather?  Composer Alex Yuwen. In mathematics,…
JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: Francine Reed
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesJoin us for the Jazz for the Soul Season Finale on Sunday, June 23rd @ 6:00 PM as we welcome Francine Reed! *UPDATE: DOORS OPEN AT 4:45PM FOR THIS EVENT* *This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* (Seating will be first come, first served with overflow seating options) *There is NO CATERING service…
Jazzbird Nights: Tjader Project
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesFriday, June 28th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes Tjader Project for the very LAST Jazzbird Nights Performance of our 2023-24 season! Featured artists include Joe Garciaâ Percussion, Brett Reedâ Vibraphone, Scott Zimmerâ Saxophone/Flute, Ted Sistrunkâ Bass, and John Lewisâ Drums. Join us to witness Tjader Project- a tribute to the late great Cal Tjader, vibraphonist, band leader and composer, who…
VJC Alumni Band
Ravenscroft Hall 8445 E Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United StatesValley Jazz Cooperative Alumni Band An annual highlight of the Valley Jazz Cooperative program, the VJC Alumni Band returns to the Ravenscroft Hall stage on Saturday, June 29th at 7pm! The jazz ensemble, under the direction of Russell Schmidt, features talented young musicians who were previously members of the VJC during their high school years.…
Jazzbird Nights: Mercer Patterson Quintet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72SU6e2m_co&t=1s Friday, September 6th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird kicks off our 2024-25 season as we welcome the Mercer Patterson Quintet! Featured artists include Mercer Pattersonâ Piano, Connor Hoytâ Saxophone, Ryan Venoraâ Trumpet, Jack Nissenâ Bass and Philip Buchmanâ Drums. The Mercer Patterson Quintet is a contemporary jazz ensemble originating in the Metro-Detroit area. Having recently transitioned to the East…
Jazzbird Nights: Todd Johnson Quartet
Jazzbird 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, United Stateshttps://vimeo.com/1006761528?share=copy#t=0 Friday, September 13th, at 7:00pm, Jazzbird welcomes the Todd Johnson Quartet! Featured artists include Todd Johnsonâ Bass, Nicole Pesceâ Piano, Andrew Grossâ Saxophone, and Robby Carrilloâ Drums. Join Todd Johnson and Friends for a night of "Greasy, Soulful Standards" and selections from their new CD "Live at the Ravenscroft"! Featuring extraordinary local piano legend, Nicole Pesce…