Tucson Jazz Festival Returns to Downtown on January 17-25

January 8, 2025

By Matt Sterner

After almost a year of organizing, planning, and hard work, the 2025 HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival lights up multiple stages from Friday, January 17 – Saturday, January 25.

Actually, and similar to previous years, there are multiple stages! Curated by Executive and Artistic Director Khris Dodge, the 11th annual event offers nine days of some of the greatest jazz talents in the world throughout Downtown Tucson.

a group of people standing on a stage in front of a crowd — (Photo courtesy of Tucson Jazz Festival)

“Have you ever experienced an unbelievable musical moment? It often is that time and space at a concert where the music is so joyful, magical, and memorable, and the audience and the artists on stage are so connected that your jaw drops,” said Dodge. “It’s the ‘I can’t believe I’m here and I just felt that’ moment. I see and experience these moments every year with festival attendees, and all of my being wants to share these moments with all of you.”

With many shows already selling out, now is the time to secure seats.

Also, great food pairs nicely with live jazz. For example, at the Rialto on January 18, Chef Janos Wilder will feature his signature JDAWGs on stage. Then, on January 19, Andea and her band will do a free performance at a special cookout the next day at Utterback for students and families.

Check out the full schedule here.

For the complete list, to purchase tickets and for additional information download the new TJF2025 app (available for iPhone and Android) and visit tucsonjazzfestival.org.

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Article By

Matt Sterner

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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