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.
Day 2: April 4 Day 3: April 5 Day 4: April 6 Calendar of Events
Saturday Night: Main Stage
The Corcoran Holt Quintet
5-6 p.m.
Corcoran Holt began playing Djembe and other West African percussion at the age of four as a member of Wose Dance Company under the tutelage of Baba Aidoo Holmes & Mahiri Fadjimba Keita.
As a keeper of the rhythm, he began his study of upright bass at the age of 10 with the renowned DC Youth Orchestra (DCYOP).
While training at DCYOP, Corcoran attended the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C., where he studied classical bass with Carolyn Kellock and jazz music with educators Davey Yarborough, the late great Keter Betts and Steve Novasel.
Typhanie Monique
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Soul-infused jazz stylist Typhanie Monique has influenced the Chicago music scene. A native of Stevens Point, WI, she is a respected bandleader, songwriter, versatile vocalist, and a highly in-demand educator.
She is known for her time with bands: SUMO, Peking Turtle, and Jive Council, Tributosaurus (EWF, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles), The Booty Movement Coalition, dropping house singles with Mr. Egg Germ, and a prominent figure on the international jazz scene.
Typhanie has shared the stage and recorded with Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, The Manhattan Transfer, Mavis Staples, Joel Frahm, Ken Peplowski, Victor Goines, and Tony Monaco.
Lakecia Benjamin
8-9:15 p.m.
Five-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, MC, and bandleader known for her captivating live performances. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix and Pursuance: The Coltranes have firmly established her among jazz's foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat.
Phoenix earned her three GRAMMY nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin's prominence continues to rise.
In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and JeU “Tain” Watts. Her performance was highlighted on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and received exceptional reviews during her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk, further showcasing her exceptional talent. Phoenix Reimagined also received two GRAMMY nominations.
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
Arsen Nalbandian
Arsen Nalbandian is a jazz pianist, composer, and arranger based in the greater Phoenix metro area. Heavily influenced by jazz musicians such as Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and Red Garland, Arsen demonstrates a strong commitment to swing and utilizes the jazz tradition as a medium to express his distinct musical vision. He has had the pleasure of performing live with jazz luminaries, including Sean Jones, Corcoran Holt, Doug Lawrence, Brad Leali, and Lewis Nash.
Beth Lederman
Lederman has an eclectic and sophisticated style of playing piano, based in melody and infused with joy and passion. A Phoenix native, Beth is one of the Valley’s most in-demand keyboard players. She has recorded under her own name and with her Brazilian jazz group Novo Mundo, and has played for decades throughout the SW in a dazzling array of venues and musical settings. Beth fuses her love of Latin and Brazilian music with her classical roots to bring fresh arrangements, lyrical solos, and solid grooves to any setting she plays in. She will be returning her quartet for the Chandler Jazz Fest this year.
Charles Anderson
Charles Anderson is an Arizona-based professional musician and educator with nearly 10 years of experience performing on the guitar. Beginning his education on piano at the age of 5, Charles has grown up with music, finishing his Degree in Jazz Performance in the Fall of 2023. Charles has been teaching guitar to students of all ages for seven years. Charles is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at Arizona State University, beginning in Fall 2024.
Isotope Quartet
Isotope Quartet is composed of four of Phoenix's most in-demand musicians bringing a fiery mix of pop, funk, and modern jazz. Saxophonist Nick Menasco, pianist Dave Henning, bassist Rob Wagener, and drummer Erik Teichmann apply the jazz tradition to their favorite material from the last 50 years. From classic funk of the 70's to the biggest pop tunes of the 80's to the deepest jazz cuts from the 90's, everything is fair game. Intense grooves, powerful solos, and constant interplay give this group their distinctive sound. Make no mistake, this is not your father's jazz quartet.
Mary Petrich Trio
Featuring the unique sounds of saxophone, trumpet, and bass performing jazz standards and blues.
- Mary Petrich, saxophone
- Louise Baranger, trumpet
- Todd Johnson, bass
Natalie Gallatin
Gallatin is a saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator, and recording artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a 21st-century torch-bearer for the performance, education, and re-evaluation of the rich heritage of jazz music. Natalie is joined by bassist Mason Frizzell, and drummer Finn Newsum. Both gentlemen are current members of The Nash Legacy Red Ensemble. They are excited to bring the Chandler Jazz Festival original compositions from Ms. Gallatin as well as some Jazz Standards.
Odd Man Out
The quartet Odd Man Out is a guitar-based group that plays funky jazz and swing music with a modern edge. The group features Mike Ozuna on electric guitar, Andrew Gross on tenor sax, Ted Sistrunk on upright bass, and Connor Sample on drums and percussion. Always exciting, the quartet performs with energy and loves to explore improvising on various styles, from calypso and Latin to swing and New Orleans-based funk.
Quarter Note Crash Out
Quarter Note Crash Out is a duo inspired by infamous stories of jazz musicians brawling in rehearsals - we aim to capture that through the music. We promise to keep the rage on stage, and our notes swinging.
Liam Connor is a trumpeter and composer hailing from Seattle. Currently, Liam can be found in the greater Phoenix area performing with his own groups and as a sideman. Richie Brennan is a trombonist, bassist, composer, and educator currently residing in the greater Phoenix area. You can find Richie performing with many groups in the valley and leading his own musical endeavors when he is not educating at ASU.
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.
- Monday, April 7 - The Charles Anderson Quartet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road
- Monday, April 14 - The Aiden Oh Quartet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.
- Wednesday, April 23 - The Dylan Ha Quartet from 6-7 p.m. at Chandler Downtown Library, 22. S. Delaware St.
- Monday, April 28 - The Jason Torres Quartet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Chandler Community Center, 175 E. Commonwealth Ave.
- Wednesday, April 30 - The Max Strong Quartet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.
Jazz on the Move
Jazz on the Move is a concert series that will bring live music into Chandler neighborhoods. These Tuesday and Thursday evening performances will take place on the following dates and locations from 5:30-7 p.m.
- Thursday, April 10 – The Charlie Smith Trio at The Park at Copper Creek, 901 S. 94th St.
- Tuesday, April 15 – Delphine Cortez with Joel Robin and Friends at Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road
- Thursday, April 24 – BossaNova 77 at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Charles Anderson and Rhys Montanarello Guitar Duet – Saba’s
- Mary Petrich Trio – d'Vine Gourmet
- The Bob Daniels Quartet – Crust Courtyard
- Jazz Con Alma – Dr. AJ Chandler Park West
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5 - 7 p.m.
- The Pam Morita Trio – d'Vine Gourmet
- Alice Tatum Quartet – Crust Courtyard
- The Stan Sorenson Duo – Saba’s
- Odd Man Out – Dr. AJ Chandler Park – West
- Natalie Gallatin Trio – Corner of Oregon and Boston
Main Stage
- 4:30 - 5 p.m | House Band: Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson
- 5 - 6 p.m. | The Corcoran Holt Quintet
- 6 - 6:30 p.m. | House Band: Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Typhanie Monique
- 7:30 - 8 p.m. | House Band: Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson
- 8 - 9:15 p.m. | Lakecia Benjamin
- 9:15 - 9:30 p.m. | House Band: Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2 - 4:30 p.m.
- Trumpet Diva Trio – d'Vine Gourmet
- Ken Wagner Group – Dr. AJ Chandler Park West
- Tugboat – Saba’s
- Isotope Quartet – Crust
- Vince Kaufmann Trio– Corner of Oregon and Boston
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Arsen Nalbandian Trio – d'Vine Gourmet
- Quarter Not Crash Out – Saba’s
- ZAZU West – Crust Courtyard
- Lamar Gaines Quartet – Dr. AJ Chandler Park West
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 Closed
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).