Following a two-year hiatus, the free and open to the public Village Jazz Series is back in the Village Area of Yuma Palms Regional Center, 305 S Yuma Palms Pkwy! Yes – great jazz under the stars returns for 2023 in its customary inviting atmosphere which includes palm trees, water features, handy eateries, and the fabulous Yuma, Arizona evenings!
All performances are on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Village Area of Yuma Palms Regional Center. Bring your own folding chair, relax and enjoy! The music itself, of course, will be terrific! Along with appearances by the highly regarded ‘Host Band’ Yuma Jazz Company, the series will feature performances by some nationally known jazz artists, including vocalist Renee Grant Patrick, appearing with pianist Nicole Pesce, trombonist Matt Hall with his quartet, pianist Ron Kobayashi’s Trio and guitarist/vocalist Pete Pancrazi. Renowned vocalist Allison Adams Tucker will be performing with her trio, and Dixieland continues in the Series with San Diego’s Society Boys.
Exceptional local musicians performing this year will include vocalist Jennifer Wayman Hart, instrumental/vocal duo Jason & Elle, and the ever-popular Yuma Big Band. Continuing its tradition of showcasing outstanding student musicians, the Village Jazz Series will also present performances by the Arizona Western College, and Cibola and San Luis High School Jazz Bands.
The Series is presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center, funded by its parent company, Inland Real
The Series is presented byKSWT and Yuma Palms Regional Center, funded by its parent company, Inland Commercial Real Estate Services, and sponsored by Yuma Sun, KAWC88.9FM, Border Radio94.7FM, and Long Realty.
So set Thursday evenings aside to enjoy great live music at the Village Jazz Series. Bring your own seating, and bring a friend! Bring a bunch of friends! Plan on picking up something to eat and drink in the Village Area, and then sit back, relax, and luxuriate in the captivating, hip experience that is the Village Jazz Series!
January 19 – Renee Patrick and Nicole Pesce
Phoenix's extraordinary vocalist Renee Patrick will perform with pianist Nicole Pesce. This duo impresses audiences in the Phoenix area and internationally, and were a huge hit when they appeared in the Village Jazz Series in 2020.
January 26 – Matt Hall
San Diego based trombone virtuoso Matt Hall slides his way into Yuma with his talented Quartet. Along with recording, Matt has played all over the country, including with trumpeter Jon Faddis at the Blue Note in New York.
February 2 – Society Boys
San Diego's Society Boys has become a regular guest of the Village Jazz Series, is a favorite on the traditional jazz circuit, and its lively brand of Dixieland is always popular with Yuma audiences.
February 9 – Yuma Jazz Company
Village Jazz Series Host Band, Yuma Jazz Company, is set to celebrate the release of its newest original music album "Some Tequila and a Plan." With Steven Hennig - trumpet, Jason Arviso - guitar, Leo Neblina - bass, and Brandon Coz - drums, the quartet will perform brand new tunes as well as well-known favorites.
February 16 – Yuma Big Band
The Yuma Big Band is always a favorite with its with big, brassy excitement! The YBB continually expands its repertoire and knows how to celebrate the big band era!
February 23 – Ron Kobayashi
Pianist Ron Kobayashi and his Trio is a mainstay of the Los Angeles jazz scene and will be returning to Yuma, where the group last enthralled the Village Jazz audience in 2020.
March 2 – Jennifer Wayman-Hart with Yuma Jazz Company
Popular local vocalist Jennifer Wayman-Hart will perform some of her favorite tunes backed up by Yuma Jazz Company. Jennifer's style, range, and personality are always a hit.
March 9 – Jason & Elle
Local dynamic duo Jason & Elle will share their engaging soul / funk / Latin repertoire. J & E are always Village Jazz Series favorites!
March 16 – Pete Pancrazi
A much loved staple of the Series, Phoenix guitarist and vocalist Pete Pancrazi performs with his quartet, sharing his nimble guitar work, warm vocals, and his own personal charm.
March 23 – Allison Adams Tucker
San Diego based vocalist Allison Adams Tucker brings "World Jazz with Urban Cool" back to the Village Jazz Series. Lauded by DownBeat and JazzTimes, Allison always impresses audiences.
March 30 – Cibola High School with Yuma Jazz Company
It is always a treat to get to hear the stars of tomorrow. This evening the exciting Cibola High School Jazz Band will perform. Several members will also have the opportunity to be backed up by the Yuma Jazz Company.
April 6 – Jason & Elle
Yuma's kinetic twosome Jason & Elle returns for a second engagement this season, displaying their popular and compelling mix of engaging musical styles.
April 13 – Yuma Big Band
In a return performance this season, the popular Yuma Big Band will fill the Village Area with big, swinging sounds! Gotta love the YBB!
April 20 – San Luis High School and AWC College Jazz Band
April 27 – Yuma Jazz Company
Closing the Series on a high note, Yuma Jazz Company will perform with some surprise guests. You never know who's going to show up, or what's going to happen, but it's going to be fun!
