What We Do
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.
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.
Our GENERAL PERFORMANCE FUND supports a variety of programming at the Century Room, including Sunday night JAZZ JAMS Monday night JAZZ ORCHESTRA and weekend SIGNATURE CONCERT SERIES. By subsidizing and underwriting these events, the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative ensures the sustainability of Tucson’s home for live jazz.
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 date 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 inspire. The Century Jazz Orchestra keeps classic big band repertoire alive, while also creating opportunity for composers to use the band as a palate 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, including luminaries like Bill Charlap, Charles McPherson and Bill Frisell and the next generation of jazz talent like Sullivan Fortner, Miki Yamanaka and Joel Ross. By helping subsidize and underwrite costs associated with select Signature Concerts, the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative will ensure that Tucson can continue to attract the best jazz talent in the world.
Get Involved
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