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 two-day 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 15 hours of live performances across a range of genres including blues, smooth, jazz, and fusion rhythm. Gates open 60-minutes prior to the event evening and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the outdoor concert.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
Saturday Night: Main Stage
The Mike Ozuna Quintet
5 p.m. | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
The Mike Ozuna Quintet plays instrumental jazz with an electric sound, blending elements from world music, Latin, blues and traditional jazz to create a fresh sound. The audience will hear exciting compositions and the group stretching, taking the music into new territories.
This concert will feature Nick Manson on piano, Robert Moore on drums, Ted Sistrunk on bass and Brice Winston on tenor sax. This group always brings a fun musical experience for the audience.
Jazz Con Alma with Beth Lederman
6:15 p.m. | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
Translating as jazz with soul, Jazz Con Alma melds the creativity and integrity found at the heart of jazz with Latin rhythms, hard swinging standards and solid funky grooves.
Featuring longtime Valley favorite Beth Lederman on keyboards and the soulful vocals of Steven Powell, they are backed up by some of Phoenix’s finest players.
Roxy Coss
7:30 p.m. | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
A New York musician, composer, and educator, Roxy Coss has become one of the most unique and innovative saxophonists of her generation, and a definitional voice of the Millennial Movement in Jazz. Downbeat called her "an exceptional young talent."
Josiel Perez's MambAZ All-Stars
9 p.m. | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
The Josiel Perezs MambAZ All-Stars bring the fiery sounds of Cuba together with the soulful sounds of American Jazz to create a concoction that will leave you wanting more. The group pays homage to the Cuban legends Perez Prado, Benny More, and Machito in their unique compositions arranged by musical director, Emilio Vargas.
The 10-piece group is led by Cuban-born trumpeter Josiel Perez and features legendary Puerto Rican pianist Mariano Morales. Come enjoy the sounds of MambAZ and listen to some of the finest Latin music AZ has to offer.
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2-4:30 p.m.
Adam Clark Duo
Performance Location:
d'Vine Gourmet
Adam is a performer first that thrives in live concert settings and studio work.
With over 27 years of experience, he has been a professional musician since 1995 and has consistently led his own jazz groups since 1999.
He has been heard opening up for Joey DeFrancesco, Blues Traveler, Alice Cooper, Bernard Allison, Big Pete Pearson, and Angelique Kidjo.
Doc Stewart Duo
Performance Location:
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
Dr. Chris Stewart now known as “Doc Stewart” once stood at the crossroads of life and opted for a career in medicine over his alto sax.
The ER is still a happening scene for him at the Mayo Clinic, but his fans are glad he never cut out of the gig. Doc Stewart has kept his chops in shape jamming and recording with big bands and artists like
Louis Bellson, Tom Kubis, Matt Catingub, Toni Tennille, Bill Watrous, Toshiko
Akiyoshi-Lew Tabakin, Woody Herman, Phil Woods, Eric Marienthal, John
Patitucci, and others.
Charles Smith Trio
Performance Location:
Crust Simply Italian-Astro Turf
Charles Smith loves every opportunity to showcase his trio.
Making sure it is as fun for the trio as it is the audience, he makes sure everyone has a fun time.
Pulling from the Great American songbook of jazz standards, when the Charles Smith trio interprets a compositions they keep it swinging and engaging for all.
Antonio Jackson
Performance Location:
Saba's
When it comes to playing the saxophone, this Minneapolis native would rather consider himself an individualist who loves to combine his rich melodies along with the jazz tradition of the saxophone.
What sets Antonio Jackson apart is not just his ability to connect and bring together diverse audiences of non-jazz listeners into the sound of the saxophone, but also his willingness to be limitless in his musical creativity.
Main Stage
5 p.m. | Sugar Thieves
6:15 p.m. | The Tommy Grills Band
7:30 p.m. | Sir Harrison Band
9 p.m. | Dennis Jones
Merchant Bands
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
After Hours Jam Session:
Hosted by the Tommy Grills Band at West Alley BBQ
Main Stage
5 p.m. | Mike Ozuna Band
6:15 p.m. | Jazz con Alma with Beth Lederman
7:30 p.m. | Roxy Coss
9 p.m. | Josiel Perez's MambAZ Orchestra
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2-4:30 p.m.
- Adam Clark Duo | d'Vine Gourmet
- Antonio Jackson | Saba's
- Charles Smith Trio | Crust Simply Italian (astro turf)
- Doc Stewart Duo | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
Merchant Bands
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
After Hours Jam Session:
Hosted by the Arizona Avenue Band at West Alley BBQ
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.
Application Deadline Extended to March 6, 2023
Application PDF Online Application
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
This year’s Jazz Festival only offers one day of vendors. It will only be the second day, Saturday April 1.
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 from 5-10:30 p.m. each night.
- Stage Plaza Gates open to the public 1 hour (4 p.m.) prior to the event.
- Sidewalk Bands are featured Saturday afternoon only and performances begin at 2 p.m.
- After hours jam session hosted by West Alley BBQ Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m..
Smoke Free Event
No smoking or tobacco use (includes cigars, cigarettes, e-vapor, etc.) are permitted within the 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 adult beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the park. 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.
- Outside Food and Beverage
- Large Umbrellas
- Animals (Service Animals Only)
- Weapons (guns, knives, etc.)
- Canopies/Awnings
- Coolers
Beer and Wine Garden
Presented by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, the festival's music-infused Beer & Wine Garden hosts an array of refreshing alcoholic beverages for guests 21 years of age and older. Beer and wine service starts at 5 p.m. Last Call for sales is 10 p.m. each night.
Festival Vendors
Though the festival boasts an array of Arizona’s best blues and 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.
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.
Parking Map
Recommended Locations to Park for Festival
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.
Festival Partners
ADA Accessibility
The City of Chandler welcomes participation from all of its citizens. To request an accommodation due to a disability please allow at 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).