Chandler Jazz Festival - Day 3
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
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: April 4 Day 2: April 5 Day 4: April 7 Full Event Calendar
Saturday Night: Main Stage and Sidewalk Bands
Beth and Jazz Con Alma
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 Jon Murray on bass and Janet Daniels on drums.
Brandon Sanders
It was at the Casablanca, his grandmother’s boite in Kansas City, that he was first exposed to the music that changed his life. During summer visits from his home in Los Angeles in the mid-1970s through the late ’80s, young Brandon not only encountered the music of such greats as Jimmy Smith, Grant Green & Lou Donaldson.
Sanders may be long removed from those formative days, but on his debut album, Compton’s Finest, the influence of his grandmother can be detected in his stylistic foray into bop tradition and his ease with iconic tunes like “Body and Soul” and “Monk’s Dream.” The album may be the work of a late bloomer, but its emotional depth is the mark of a seasoned veteran.
Cocomama
Cocomama began in 2005 when an all-female salsa band was requested to play a fundraiser at the Copacabana for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The success of this chance performance led to other engagements and Cocomama was born. The group focused on Afro-Cuban dance music for several years, recording their first EP with renowned producer (and Marc Anthony keyboardist) Ricky Gonzalez in 2012. Since then, the ensemble has evolved, incorporating influences from classical music, jazz, Latin American traditions and beyond. Today, the ensemble continues to be a "musical laboratory" drawing upon each member's creative voice through collaborative composing and arranging.
Jermaine Lockhart Duo
International Billboard Artist and Tenor Saxophonist, Jermaine Lockhart was born in Cleveland, Ohio where he grew up in the Pentecostal Church playing his saxophone music. Since then, he’s added jazz, straight-ahead grooves, and rhythm and blues genres to his repertoire.
Nash Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The Nash Vocal Ensemble was formed in 2015 to offer an educational and performing opportunity to singers in the Phoenix area who are passionate about jazz. Since 2016, the Nash Vocal Ensemble has been directed by Dr. Greg Amerind. The ensemble is a community-based group that rehearses at The Nash in downtown Phoenix. Members of the ensemble must audition into the group and range in age from 16 up. They include students, music educators, dog trainers and groomers, actors, scientists, doctors, engineers, sales professionals, and retirees.
The Power Trio
The aptly monikered “Power Trio” brings together three of Arizona’s most accomplished musical powers.
- Mike Kocour has decades of performing and recording experience with five critically acclaimed CDs and a list of credits far too long to post here!
- Stan Sorenson is arguably the face (and voice) of jazz guitar in Phoenix, having performed at every major venue, and with pretty much every notable musician, during his successful career.
- Lewis Nash – the namesake of The Nash – was called “Jazz’s Most Valuable Player” by Modern Drummer magazine and boasts a stunning list of recording credits, with award-winning projects with some of the immortals of the jazz world.
Liam Connor Quartet
The Liam Connor Quartet consists of trumpeter Liam Connor, saxophonist Danny Morissett, bassist Vince Thiefain, and drummer Joaquin Rosales. The quartet performs interpretations of American Songbook tunes and jazz standards, experimenting with form and harmony while still maintaining a strict dedication to ‘the One’ (James Brown’s ineffable term for groove), aiming to create a performance that is always adventurous, and always swinging.
Todd Johnson
Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the six-string electric bass.He has developed the innovative ability to play bass lines and chord changes simultaneously, plus his ability to play "chord melody" gives him a unique sound that proves extremely useful in both solo and small combo work.
Young Artist Jazz Showcase
April 10 | Basha Varsity Jazz Band
April 17 | Perry High School Jazz I
April 24 | TBD
New Square
5:30 - 7 p.m. | Sherry Roberson Quartet
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Pete Pancrazi Duo | Saba's
- Alice Tatum Trio | Devine Gourmet
- Max Beckman Trio | Courtyard/Crust
- Adam Clark Quartet | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
Sidewalk Bands
All bands perform | 5 - 7 p.m.
- Chris Stewart-Dan Delany Duo | Saba's
- Pam Morita Trio | Devine Gourmet
- Connor Sample Trio | Courtyard/Crust
- Mike Ozuna Quartet | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
After Hours Jam Sessions
West Alley BBQ | 7 - 10 p.m.
- Silhouette
New Square
3 - 5 p.m. | Liam Connor Quartet
Main Stage
- 5 p.m. | Nash Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- 6:10 p.m. | Brandon Sanders Quartet
- 7:30 p.m. | Cocomama
- 9:05 p.m. | The Power Trio
Sidewalk Bands
All Bands Perform 2 - 4:30 p.m.
- Jermaine Lockhart Duo | Saba's
- Todd Johnson Trio | Devine Gourmet
- Tom Wakeling-Howard Alden Trio, featuring Dom Moio | Courtyard/Crust
- Beth & Jazz Con Alma | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
After Hours Jam Sessions
West Alley BBQ | 8 - 11 p.m.
- Cube Root
All Bands Perform 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Joshua Moore Duo | Saba's
- Arsen Nalbandian Trio | Devine Gourmet
- Nuance | Courtyard/Crust
- Vince Kauffmann Quartet | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
After Hours Jam Sessions
West Alley BBQ | 4 - 7 p.m.
- Flavour
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 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).