CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month every April with must-see performances by talented musicians.
The party kicks off with the Chandler Jazz Festival, April 9-12, featuring local and national artists playing a variety of music from traditional to fusion to smooth jazz. Bands will play throughout Downtown Chandler during all four days of the festival. The locations for sidewalk band performances are all within walking distance and are adjacent to downtown shops and restaurants.
On Saturday, April 11, live music from renowned jazz musicians will continue into the evening hours at the Main Stage, located at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Groove to jazz tunes at the following times:
- Thursday, April 9: Sidewalk bands from 5:30-7 p.m.
- Friday, April 10: Sidewalk bands from 5-7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11: Sidewalk bands from 2-4:30 p.m.
Main Stage as follows:
5 p.m. | Twin Tenors
6:30 p.m. | Georgia Heers
8:00 p.m. | Endea Owens and the Cookout
Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson will lend their talents as the festival band, playing at the secondary stage before and between sets at 4:30, 6, 7:30 and 9:15 p.m. - Sunday, April 12: Sidewalk bands from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This year’s Main Stage lineup is a special opportunity for Chandler audiences to hear nationally recognized jazz musicians. Twin Tenors is a musical celebration of the longtime friendship of saxophonists Adam Roberts and Dave Schmidt, selling out Arizona venues with their high-energy shows. A vocalist and composer hailing from South Carolina, Georgia Heers has performed at prestigious locations like The Kennedy Center and the Jazz Showcase. She is featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck, and she plans to release her debut album later this year. Endea Owens, a Detroit-based recording artist, bassist and composer, is known as one of jazz’s most vibrant emerging artists. She has been mentored by jazz icons, including Rodney Whitaker and Ron Carter, and has toured and performed with Diana Ross, Jon Batiste, Solange, Cyrus Chestnut and many others.
All four days of the festival are free to attend. On Saturday night at the Main Stage, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Guests can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs on Saturday, as well as sealed bottled water and snacks. Alcohol is prohibited.
Visit Jazz for more information.
Chandler Jazz Festival is sponsored by Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, The Nash and Apex Windows & Bath.
Media contact:
Betsy Lizer
480-782-2225