Chandler Jazz Festival - Day 2
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. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the outdoor concert. This is an alcohol & smoke free event.
Day 1: March 31 Day 3: April 1 Day 4: April 2 Full Event Calendar
Friday Night: Sidewalk Bands
Pam Morita Trio
Pamela Morita, pianist/vocalist, has lived in Phoenix since 2000. Originally from Chicago, she has played at various hotels and clubs since 1981. In 1985 she did a tour in Sweden and in 1994 moved to Norway where she performed and recorded her own CD, “Strings that…,” with prominent Swedish jazz musicians.
She is a freelance musician and has also performed at various venues such as Eddie V’s, the Phoenician, The Nash, Jazz Club, Nordstrom’s, and Top of the Rock Restaurant and plays for private events--parties, weddings, graduations, etc. She also teaches classical and jazz piano in her studio at home.
The Denny Monce Quartet
Denny Monce is a freelance trumpet player in Phoenix. Having traveled much of the Western Hemisphere playing on cruise ships, he also spent several years studying and playing on the Los Angeles music scene.
Over the years, he has performed with numerous headlining acts such as Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, and The Temptations. Additionally, he has played in the pit for numerous off-Broadway musicals. Denny also teaches trumpet privately and is on the jazz studies faculty at Arizona State University.
Howard Alden
He may be the best of his generation,” writes Owen Cordle in JAZZ TIMES. George Kanzler of the NEWARK STAR LEDGER proclaims that he is “the most impressive and creative member of a new generation of jazz guitarists.”
And Chip Deffaa of the NEW YORK POST observes that he is “...one of the very finest young guitarists working today.” It seems that the only thing regarding Howard Alden on which the critics have debate is whether the remarkable jazz guitarist is one of the best or simply the best.
Delphine Cortez & Friends
Delphine Cortez & Friends sang in top jazz clubs on Rush Street in Chicago, and has been one of the most in-demand vocalists in the Valley since her arrival in the mid-80’s. While having her own style, Delphine carries on the tradition of the great ladies of jazz, such as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and her musical idol, Nancy Wilson. She performs with unique style and grace.
Delphine and Joel’s repertoire includes standards and show tunes from the Great American Song Book, bossa novas, and select contemporary pop tunes – all treated in a unique sophisticated style. Delphine is also featuring several songs by Nancy Wilson, her mentor.
Young Artist Jazz Showcase
April 5 | Nash Legacy Blue Ensemble
April 12 | Young Sounds of Arizona
April 19 | 32nd Street Band
April 26 | Nash Jazz DivAZ and Nash Legacy Redd Ensemble
Jazz on the Move Series
April 4 | Alice Tatum Quartet
April 13 | Jermaine Lockhart Mainstream Band
April 18 | Ioannis Goudelis Trio
April 27 | Jazz con Alma featuring Beth Lederman
New Square
5:30 - 7 p.m. | Sherry Roberson Quartet
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Charlie Smith Duo | d'Vine Gourmet
- Pete Pancrazi with Todd Johnson | Saba’s
- The Natalie Gallatin Quartet | Crust Simply Italian (astro turf)
- Frank Valdes Sextet | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5 - 7 p.m.
- Howard Alden and Friends | d'Vine Gourmet
- Pam Morita Trio | Saba’s
- Delphine Cortez & Friends | Crust Simply Italian (astro turf)
- The Denny Monce Quartet | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
Merchant Bands
7 - 11 p.m.
After Hours Jam Session: Hosted by Flavour
West Alley BBQ
New Square
3 - 5 p.m. | Raul Yanez Latin Jazz Quartet
Main Stage
5 p.m. | Fred Boswell & Friends: "Gospel, Chick and Glasper"
6:10 p.m. | Fred Forney and West-by-Northwest: "Music of Miles "
7:30 p.m. | Dennis Rowland & Diana Lee: "From Basie to Wonder"
9:05 p.m. | The Dan Wilson Trio with Pat Bianchi and Lewis Nash
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2 - 4:30 p.m.
- Garrett Becwar Trio | d'Vine Gourmet
- Actual Air Trio | Saba’s
- Jazz Women Collective | Crust Simply Italian (astro turf)
- Nuance Jazz with Jackie Lopez | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
Merchant Bands
7 -11 p.m.
After Hours Jam Session:Tommy Grills Band
Hosted by West Alley BBQ
All Bands Perform 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Kaufmann, Zick & Russo | d'Vine Gourmet
- Arsen Nalbandian Trio | Saba’s
- Clark Gibson Trio | Crust Simply Italian (astro turf)
- ZAZU West | Dr. A.J. 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.
Application Deadline Extended to March 6, 2023 - 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
- After hours jam session hosted by West Alley BBQ Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
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.
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).