As the second annual Tucson Jazz Festival kicks off, our thoughts turn to all things jazz. And food, of course.
The line up for this year’s festival is hot, and nearby restaurants are ready to welcome jazz fans with even warmer drinks and delicious eats.
Enjoy the festival even more by slipping into one of the following places to enjoy a full meal or a quick bite to eat.
Centennial Hall
1020 E. University Blvd.
Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour performs on Sunday, January 17, with Raul Midon, Nicholas Payton, Ravi Coltrane, Gerald Clayton, Joe Sanders and Justin Brown.
Nearby restaurants:
- Boca Tacos y Tequila
- Caffe Luce
- Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
- Illegal Pete’s
- Paso Kitchen & Lounge
- Red’s Smoke House
- Wilko
Club Congress
311 E. Congress St.
Join the “Through the Badlands” CD release party on January 17, with Arthur Vint & Associates, including bassist Ian Stapp and saxophonist Brice Winston.
On Tuesday, January 19, Haboob, a 4-5 piece jazz/rock combo, performs, although this performance is not officially connected to the festival.
Nearby restaurants:
- BATCH Cafe + Bar
- Cup Cafe
- Diablo Burger
- Empire Pizza & Pub
- Fired Pie,Good Oak Bar
- HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
- HighWire Lounge
- Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery
- Independent Distillery
- Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market
- Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
- OBON Ramen + Sushi + Bar
- Pizzeria Bianco
- Playground Bar and Lounge
- R Bar
- Thunder Canyon Brewery
- World of Beer
Crowder Hall
1017 N. Olive St.
Jon Weber performs “115 Years of Piano Jazz” on Wednesday, January 20. The UA Jazz Ensemble opens.
Nearby restaurants:
- Boca Tacos y Tequila
- Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
- Illegal Pete’s
- Pasco Kitchen & Lounge
- Red’s Smoke House
- Wilko
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W. Congress St.
Kicking off the festival on January 14 is Jimmy Heath & The Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Band, with the Kenny Werner Trio.
Enjoy Poncho Sanchez, one of the most influential conga players in Afro-Cuban jazz, with La Voz de Tres opening on Thursday, January 21.
On Friday, The Rad Trads and Arthur Migliazza perform.
Nearby restaurants:
- 47 Scott
- Cafe Milano
- Cafe Poca Cosa
- Elliot’s On Congress
- Reilly Pizza & Pub
MLK Day Downtown Jazz Fiesta
Fifth Avenue Between Toole & Broadway
This free event on Monday, January 18, features Jazz on two stages, local Latin jazz bands and smaller jazz ensembles. Don’t forget to bring canned goods for the Community Food Bank donation tent. Food trucks, beer, and wine will be available.
Nearby restaurants and bars:
- BATCH Cafe + Bar
- Cafe 54
- Cup Cafe
- Diablo Burger
- Empire Pizza & Pub
- Fired Pie
- HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
- HighWire Lounge
- Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery
- Independent Distillery
- Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market
- Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
- OBON Ramen + Sushi + Bar
- Pizzeria Bianco
- Playground Bar and Lounge
- R Bar
- Thunder Canyon Brewery
- World of Beer
Merci Gallery
630 E. 9th St.
Merci Gallery, a venue dedicated to art, music and champagne, is hosting an after hours champagne party with the Jazz Festival and KXCI. Featured performances include Mark Rosenbaum (Jazz Sundae) and Corbin Dooley, Toby Roberts, Ian Williams (Electric Feel).
Nearby restaurants:
- Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
- The Coronet
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress St.
On, Friday, January 15, Grammy-winning instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy performs with guitarist Nir Felder opening.
Catch vocalist Lizz Wright and the Larry Redhouse Trio on Saturday, January 23.
Then, on Sunday, Kermit Ruffins, trumpeter, and guitarist and singer King Solomon Hicks perform.
Nearby restaurants and bars:
- BATCH Cafe + Bar
- Cup Cafe
- Diablo Burger
- Empire Pizza & Pub
- Fired Pie
- Good Oak Bar
- HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
- HighWire Lounge
- Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery
- Independent Distillery
- Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market
- Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
- OBON Ramen + Sushi + Bar
- Pizzeria Bianco
- Playground Bar and Lounge
- R Bar
- Thunder Canyon Brewery
- World of Beer
TCC Music Hall
260 S. Church St.
On January 16 and 17, Byron Stripling performs with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
Nearby restaurants:
- Casa Vicente
- Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant
- Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails
- El Charro Cafe
- El Minuto Cafe
- La Cocina
- Penca Restaurante
For more information on the Tucson Jazz Festival, visit tucsonjazzfestival.org.
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