Programs
JAZZ JAMS
Jazz jam sessions are an important part of jazz history and an even more important part of jazz’s future as they provide space for musicians to experiment, innovate, and develop their skills. These informal gatherings allow for improvisation, musical growth and fostering a unique musical exchange and community. The Sonora Arts & Music Initiative is proud to support the Sunday night jazz jam at the Century Room, allowing musicians of all ages to come participate for free!
JAZZ ORCHESTRA
The history of big bands dates back to the early 20th Century when jazz was America’s popular music. Bandleaders like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Basie were the superstars of their time and their music continues to inspire. The Century Jazz Orchestra keeps classic big band repertoire alive, while also creating opportunities for composers to use the band as a palette for new works. An intergenerational ensemble, the CJO fosters community with students, teachers and professionals performing alongside each other. SAMI is proud to support the 17-piece CJO as they keep big band music alive in the 21st Century!
SIGNATURE CONCERTS
The Friday and Saturday night Signature Concert series at the Century Room has attracted some of jazz’s preeminent performers and put Tucson on the map for touring artists. By helping subsidize and underwrite costs associated with select Signature Concerts, the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative is helping ensure the sustainability of the programming so that Tucson can continue to attract the best jazz talent in the world. Artists that SAMI has helped present at the Century Room include Edward Simon, Kevin Hays, Terell Stafford and Kurt Rosenwinkel.
SPACE TRAVELER’S UNION PRESENTS
Space Travelers Union Presents is a bi-weekly Thursday night concert series curated by saxophonist and producer Ryan Wheless at the Century Room. The program focuses on creative, improvisation-centered music and brings together local and visiting artists for collaborative performances that highlight experimentation and musical exchange. By maintaining a consistent schedule of performances, the series provides musicians with regular opportunities to present new work while helping build an audience for creative music.
INSTRUMENT & EQUIPMENT FUND
Our INSTRUMENT & EQUIPMENT FUND supports the equipment necessary for artists to put on a great show. The Tucson Jazz Music Foundation has been a fantastic partner lending the Century Room use of their Yamaha S5X piano, Viscount Legend Soul Organ, Fender Rhodes and European Upright Bass, but other BACKLINE NEEDS often arise that are costly and require additional outside financial support. SAMI has provided a 1963 Musser Century Vibraphone, 1966 Fender Twin Reverb amplifier and has offset the cost of repair and maintenance for all the Century Room’s equipment.
OUTREACH FUND
The Sonora Arts & Music Initiative’s OUTREACH FUND supports the recording and dissemination of live performances at the Century Room to make them accessible to all. Through the SAMI LIVE STREAM on select concerts, we allow audiences all over the world to tune in and enjoy the world class music from the comfort of their homes, benefiting those who are unable to attend due to physical or financial hardship. By supporting AUDIO RECORDING we make high quality multitrack recordings accessible to artists.