Chandler Jazz Festival - Day 1
Every April, Downtown Chandler turns the spotlight on its jazz scene with the return of our annual Chandler Jazz Festival. In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the festival hosts a stellar lineup of local talent; spanning genres ranging from traditional and fusion rhythm to smooth jazz.
The free, family-friendly festival features more than 40 hours of live performances. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the outdoor concert. This is an alcohol & smoke-free event.
Saturday Night: Main Stage
Twin Tenors
5 - 6 p.m.
Georgia Heers
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Endea Owens & The Cookout
8 - 9:15 p.m.
Twin Tenors is a musical celebration of the long-time friendship of saxophonists Adam Roberts and Dave Schmidt, and the rich history of two-saxophone bands.
Started in 2023, Twin Tenors has been selling out AZ venues with their high energy shows, featuring works from John Coltrane, Johnny Griffin, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, George Garzone, and many others.
Rounding out the band, they are supported by some of the Valley's most exciting instrumentalists, including Ben Hedquist on bass, Dave Henning on piano, and Connor Sample on drum set.
Georgia Heers, a vocalist and composer from Greer, South Carolina, studied jazz at Oberlin College and The Juilliard School. Since graduating in 2023, her voice has taken her to iconic venues like Mezzrow, Dizzy’s, and Minton’s Playhouse, performing with musicians such as Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, and Camila Meza. She’s performed at prestigious locations like The Kennedy Center and the Jazz Showcase.
Georgia is featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck—the first Broadway play ever to be broadcast on national television, airing on CNN. Her performance in the production marks a major milestone in her career, showcasing her talents on a historic stage and screen.
Georgia is a grantee of Chamber Music America for her work. Georgia plans to release her debut album later this year.
Known as one of Jazz’s most vibrant emerging artists, Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised Recording Artist, Bassist, and Composer. She has been mentored by Jazz Icons the likes of Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and Ron Carter. She has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Cyrus Chestnut to name a few.
In 2018, Endea graduated from The Juilliard School and joined the Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of the house band, Stay Human. Since then, Endea has won an Emmy, Grammy Award, and a George Foster Peabody Award. Endea’s work has appeared on Jon Batiste’s Grammy Award-winning album “We Are”, Oscar-nominated film Judas and the Black Messiah, and H.E.R’s widely acclaimed Super Bowl LV performance.
Endea has a true passion for philanthropy and teaching. She has taught students across the United States, South America, and Europe. In 2020, Endea founded The Community Cookout, a non-profit organization birthed out of the Covid-19 pandemic that provides meals and music to underserved neighborhoods worldwide. To date, Endea’s organization has helped feed more than 6,000 people.
In 2022, Endea composed an original piece about the life of Ida B. Wells entitled “Ida’s Crusade” for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and was also performed by the NYO Carnegie Hall Orchestra. Endea has written for brands such as Pyer Moss and Glossier. Endea also premiered a newly commissioned work with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as the2023 MAC Music Innovator with the organization. In addition to her work with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Endea is the curator for the National Arts Club and also a fellow for “Jazzis Now!” with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, where she presents original compositions, curates series, and headlines performances for the 2022-2023 season. Endea’s debut album “Feel Good Music” has recently been released.
House Band: Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson
4:30 - 5 p.m. / 6 - 6:30 p.m. / 7:30 - 8 p.m. / 9:15 - 9:30 p.m.
Pete Pancrazi has been one to watch in the Phoenix area since taking up residence here in 1990. Audiences enjoy his nimble guitar work and warm vocals. Pete continues to delight audiences with a growing repertoire of original compositions, straight-ahead and Latin jazz standards, and pop classics performed with a jazz twist.
Todd Johnson has been an integral member of the critically acclaimed jazz trio of guitarist Ron Eschete since 1991 and has performed and/or recorded with other such artists as, Mike Stern, Poncho Sanchez, Frank Potenza, and Dave Weck.
Sidewalk Bands
Chris Ross
Led by virtuosic bassist Chris Ross, the group brings a fresh perspective to the jazz tradition.
Chris commands a heavy-hitting personnel of musicians in the greater Phoenix area, who together create a soulful, and elevating musical experience at every performance.
While being deeply rooted in the past of jazz greats, they progress forward gaining popularity throughout Arizona.
The Pam Morita Trio
The Pam Morita Trio consists of Pam Morita on piano/ vocals, Rob Wren on bass, and Connor Sample on drums.
We do a variety of jazz standards with some originals mixed in. We have played at numerous venues around Phoenix including the Nash, Sacred Grounds, and private weddings and parties.
Stan Sorenson
Inspired by an Herb Ellis recording his parents owned, Stan Sorenson began guitar lessons at the age of eight. After seven years of private lessons, he began his professional career performing on the guitar in an accordion-based pop/polka band. Then came an all original jazz/rock band.
Two years later, Stan enrolled at the Phoenix College School of Music to explore and further his music skills. There he studied classical and jazz guitar, along with composition, theory, acoustics, photography and other related art and music fields.
Ken Wagner
Ken Wagner is a multi-instrumentalist from Seattle, Washington. He was a member of the 2020 and 2021 Carnegie hall National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the 2020 Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and the 2019 Music For All Jazz Band of America.
He has performed with artists such as Melissa Aldana, Sean Jones, Lewis Nash, and Corcoran Holt.
The Redhouse Family Jazz Band
Members of the Navajo Nation, they are known as Arizona’s First Family of Jazz. Their music is influenced by Latin, Fusion, Contemporary Jazz, Funk and Traditional Native American sounds and spirituality. The group focuses on original compositions and hip arrangements of modern jazz classics.
The Nuance Jazz Trio
Launched more than 30 years ago to become an esteemed jazz-swing ensemble, Nuance embodies freshly diverse and buoyant sounds to represent all that jazz was and still is, performed by a well honed trio of veteran Phoenix musicians.
Nuance's repertoire includes old and new jazz influences including Great American Songbook encompassing Django Reinhardt (hot jazz), mainstream jazz standards, Bossa Novas and other Latin favorites, as well Americana and even some pop.
ZAZU West
ZAZU West is Phoenix's premier ensemble dedicated to Gypsy Jazz, the style devoted to the legacy of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Gypsy Jazz, Jazz Manouche, French Swing. Whatever it's called, the sound is infectious, swinging, and unmistakably Django.
Whether playing the dozens of iconic Django compositions, traditional and contemporary jazz standards in the Gypsy Jazz style, or the music of today's Gypsy Jazz greats in Europe and the U.S., ZAZU West creates a unique performance experience.
Young Artist Jazz Showcase
The Young Artist Jazz Showcase provides an opportunity for student musicians to share their talents with the community.
- Wednesday April 1 – Band Coming Soon
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road - Monday, April 6 – Band Coming Soon
6 – 7 p.m. | Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St. - Monday, April 13 – Band Coming Soon
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road - Monday, April 20 – Band Coming Soon
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. - Wednesday, April 29 – Band Coming Soon
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road
Jazz on the Move
Jazz on the Move is a concert series that will bring live music into Chandler neighborhoods.
- Tuesday, April 7 | Alice Tatum Quartet
5:30 – 7 p.m. | Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. - Tuesday, April 14 | Jake Leyba Quintet
5:30 – 7 p.m. | Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road - Tuesday, April 21 | Bridget & Aug Quartet
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Aristocrat Coffee Roasters, 201 S. Washington St. - Thursday, April 30 | Mary Petrich Quartet
5:30 – 7 p.m. | Veteran’s Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Howard Alden Duo – Saba’s
- Pam Morita Trio – D’Vine Gourmet
- Jacob Eary Quartet – Crust Courtyard
- Chris Ross Trio – Corner of Boston and Oregon
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5 - 7 p.m.
- Stan Sorenson Duo – Saba’s
- Beth Lederman Trio – D’Vine Gourmet
- Isotope Quartet– Crust Courtyard
- Max Beckman Trio – Corner of Boston and Oregon
Main Stage
- Twin Tenors 5 - 6 p.m.
- Georgia Heers 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Endea Owens and the Cookout 8 - 9:15 p.m.
- Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson 4:30 - 5 p.m. / 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. / 7:30 - 8 p.m. / 9:15 - 9:30 p.m.
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2 - 4:30 p.m.
- Charles Anderson Duo – Saba’s
- Vince Kauffman Trio – D’Vine Gourmet
- Redhouse Family Jazz Band – Crust Courtyard
- Kenji Wagner Trio – Corner of Boston and Oregon
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Chris Champion Duo – Saba’s
- Nuance Trio – D’Vine Gourmet
- ZAZU West Quartet– Crust Courtyard
- Andrew Gross Trio – Corner of Boston and Oregon
Interested in becoming a vendor at this year's Jazz Festival? Potential vendors will need to review the Vendor Information Sheet and complete the Vendor Application.
The City of Chandler prides itself on having vendors at our events that represent the concept of the event and the vast diversity of what the City has to offer. Vendors will be accepted based on these criteria.
Vendor Applications are Open
For more information on becoming a vendor or questions regarding the application process, please email or call 480-782-2669.
Vendor Participation Quick Facts
- Vendors must be able to participate both nights of the event
- The event provides electrical outlets are - 110 volts/15 amps max (additional cost to vendors)
- No sharing of booth space or subleasing
- It is a rain or shine event - Fees are non-refundable
- Vendors will be notified of acceptance no later than one week after the application close date
Festival Schedule
From family-friendly activities, to lively scores of music, to delicious food and drinks, there’s something for every age.
- The festival takes over Dr. A.J. Chandler Park and Downtown Chandler for four days.
- Stage Plaza opens to the public 1 hour (4 p.m.) prior to Saturday's start time.
- Sidewalk Bands are featured each day. Times vary. Check each day's schedule for details.
Smoke/Alcohol Free Event
No smoking or tobacco use (includes cigars, cigarettes, e-vapor, etc.) are permitted within the event area. This is an alcohol-free event. No alcohol consumption permitted within event area.
What To Bring
The following personal items are permitted within festival grounds. Personal items cannot be left unattended and bags are subject to security checks.
- Cash/Card - Delicious-eats and thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the park and Downtown Chandler. Guests should bring cash as not all food trucks and vendors accept credit cards.
- Sealed Bottled Water
- BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Blanket) - The festival is sure to draw a crowd and early birds can land some of the best seats and views in the park. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs to make your viewing more comfortable. Small individuals umbrellas are allowed.
- Service Animals Only
Prohibited Items
The following personal items are not permitted within festival grounds.
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Large Umbrellas
- Animals (Service Animals Only)
- Weapons (guns, knives, etc.)
- Canopies/Awnings
- Coolers Larger than 20 quarts
- Glass Containers
Festival Vendors
Though the festival boasts an array of Arizona’s best jazz music, there are plenty of other ways you can enjoy yourself. Choose from a variety of food vendors or shop regional artisan booths. Most vendors will accept cash or credit cards. (Saturday Only)
Downtown Parking
There is plenty of free parking within walking distance for our festival visitors.
Look for the parking icon on signs throughout Downtown Chandler to locate the nearest parking spot.
Recommended Locations to Park for Festival – Main Stage
- Map Location 2 – Alexander Parking Garage
- Enter off of Boston St. between Arizona Ave. and Delaware St.
- Map Location 3 – Johnathan Parking Garage
- Enter off of Buffalo St. between Arizona Ave. and Delaware St.
Recommended Locations to Park for Festival – Sidewalk Bands
- Map Location 4 – Overstreet Garage
- Enter off of Buffalo St. between Oregon St. and California St.
- Map Location 5 – Oregon Steet Garage
- Enter off of Chicago St. between S. Oregon St. and S. California St.
Festival Partners
ADA Accessibility
The City of Chandler welcomes participation from all residents. To request an accommodation due to a disability please allow at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled event. Contact the city's Special Event Coordinator at 480-782-2665 (or 711 via AZ Relay Service).



