Upcoming Events

Opening night of the Tucson Jazz Festival arrives with a joyful, high-energy celebration of Latin jazz and salsa rooted in Tucson’s creative community and connected to musical traditions around the world. Producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Sergio Mendoza—one of Southern Arizona’s most influential Latin music voices—brings together an exceptional lineup for an evening that showcases the depth and range of this region’s sound. Joining him is the Tucson Latin Jazz Orchestra (TLJO), returning under the direction of conductor and arranger Luis Torres. First championed in the early 1990s by festival founder Yvonne Ervin, TLJO’s revival promises to fill the Rialto Theatre with the power and precision of a true Latin big band. The program also features internationally acclaimed saxophonist and flutist Justo Almario, a Colombian-born artist whose career includes performing with Duke Ellington, Mongo Santamaria, Chaka Khan, and many others. Tucson’s own Katherine Byrnes adds her voice to the night, bringing the rich, expressive style that has made her a standout collaborator with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Calexico, and Orkesta Mendoza. This is Tucson’s moment to shine, an evening of rhythm, improvisation, and celebration that opens the festival with heart, pride, and unmistakable local character.

An evening of stand-up, storytelling, and a cappella singing with GRAMMY-winning author, humorist, and radio personality Garrison Keillor. Presented at The Rialto Theatre. Garrison Keillor Tonight is an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry. One man, one microphone. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. There is the News from Lake Wobegon, a town booming with new entrepreneurs, makers of artisanal firewood and gourmet meatloaf, breeders of composting worms, and dogs trained to do childcare. But some things endure, such as the formation of the Living Flag on Main Street, citizens in tight formation wearing red, white or blue caps, and Mr. Keillor among them, standing close to old neighbors, Myrtle Krebsbach (“Truckstop”) and Julie Christensen (“Bruno, The Fishing Dog”) and Clint Bunsen. And an a cappella sing-along with the audience singing from memory an odd medley of patriotic songs, pop standards, hymns, and ending with the national anthem.

Pianist Emmet Cohen brings an all-star quintet to the Rialto Theatre for a landmark celebration of the centennials of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Cohen is known for his fluid command at the keyboard, his deep respect for jazz history, and his commitment to keeping the music alive for new generations. His work bridges eras, connecting the energy of Harlem’s storied past with the creativity shaping jazz today. For this special program, Cohen is joined by four remarkable musicians: saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Together, they revisit the spirit and sound of two of jazz’s most influential innovators through improvisation, generosity, and artistic curiosity. The ensemble moves beyond tribute into exploration, transforming questions like “Why are we here?” and “Where does the music take us?” into a shared musical journey. It is a rare opportunity to experience world-class jazz in a way that feels fresh, rooted, and deeply connected to the tradition that continues to shape American music.

Experience the passion, power, and poetry of flamenco at Tucson’s premier flamenco festival, featuring world-class artists from Spain, New York, and our very own Sonoran Desert. From the heart of Andalucía to the vibrant stages of New York and the soulful rhythms of Tucson, this all-day celebration unfolds across two stages with dancers, singers, and musicians in an unforgettable showcase of tradition, innovation, and fiery expression. Paella and sangria specials will be served throughout the day, making it a true feast for the senses. Whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or new to the art form, prepare to be moved by the raw emotion and electrifying energy of flamenco in the Southwest. Presented in La Rosa.

Patty Griffin is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation, a distinctly American voice whose songs capture the small moments and shared emotions that shape us. Over more than two decades, she has built a celebrated body of work that earned her two GRAMMY® Awards, seven nominations, and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting. The New York Times has praised her ability to create “complete emotional portraits,” songs that stay with listeners long after they end. Her 2019 self-titled album, Patty Griffin, marked a turning point in her career. Deeply personal and critically acclaimed, it debuted in the top five on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and went on to win the GRAMMY® Award for Best Folk Album. Griffin’s newest album, Crown of Roses, continues that introspective arc. Written after a period of creative quiet during the pandemic, the eight-track collection explores identity, nature, family, and womanhood with clarity and restraint. Blending folk, Americana, and blues, the album invites listeners to shed old narratives and embrace new truths. Across her career, Patty Griffin has chronicled love and loss, resilience and renewal, always with a rare combination of honesty, compassion, and craft. With Crown of Roses, she continues to expand her artistic reach while remaining rooted in the emotional depth that defines her work. Instagram Facebook YouTube Spotify

Laugh, reflect, and rediscover the importance of intimacy and curiosity in a uniquely bold performance of the Sex Lives of Puppets. “This is the good stuff–technique, strong writing, and a bit of heart and soul”– The New York Times Sex Lives of Puppets is a bold, funny, and heartfelt performance exploring intimacy, aging, and sexual wellbeing — all told through the unexpected voices of puppets. Inspired by real stories from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, this clever show asks honest questions about relationships, desire, and what it means to feel connected at every stage of life. With humor and tenderness, the puppets open up about topics we often keep quiet. Created by Blind Summit Theatre, known worldwide for reinventing what puppetry can be, this inventive production mixes playful storytelling with a serious message about health and human connection. Led by award-winning director and puppeteer Mark Down, Blind Summit’s work has appeared on some of the world’s biggest stages — from London’s 2012 Olympic Games to the Metropolitan Opera. Presented in Marroney Theatre. This production contains sexual content, sexual images, and strong language. It is recommended for ages 16+. Artist's Site Facebook X

Join Cristina Vane and Brennan Leigh for a heartfelt tribute to the roots of American music as we reflect on 250 years of the United States. Join us for a heartfelt celebration of early folk, gospel, and Western swing music with Women of Americana! This isn’t just a concert—it’s an exuberant exploration of this expansive and singular American genre that planted the roots of American music. Featuring vocalists and instrumentalists Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh, together they will perform iconic songs including “This Land is Your Land” (Woody Guthrie), “This Train” (Sister Rosetta Tharpe), “Just Like a Woman” (Bob Dylan), “Angel From Montgomery” (Bonnie Raitt and John Prine), “Car Wheels On a Gravel Road” (Lucinda Williams), and more! Coinciding with the upcoming Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the United States’ founding), Women of Americana will entertain and inspire audiences at a historic moment in our nation’s history. Presented in La Rosa. Artist's Site

Trampled by Turtles emerged from Duluth, Minnesota, in 2003 after frontman Dave Simonett found himself starting over. When his gear was stolen during a show with his previous band, he was left with only an acoustic guitar. That moment pushed him toward a new musical direction—one grounded in bluegrass, folk, and acoustic traditions rather than amplification. Simonett was new to bluegrass, and he built the band with players who were, too. Fiddler Ryan Young came from a speed-metal background, bassist Tim Saxhaug joined soon after, and together with mandolinist Erik Berry and banjo player Dave Carroll, the group shaped a sound that blended bluegrass instrumentation with rock-and-roll drive. Fast, dynamic, and emotionally charged, Trampled by Turtles quickly stood out. Their crossover appeal has taken them to the top of Billboard’s Bluegrass chart with every album they’ve released and onto major festival stages including Coachella, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza. They’ve toured with a wide range of artists such as Shakey Graves, Zach Bryan, Wilco, Caamp, Mt. Joy, Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, and Lord Huron, building a devoted fanbase along the way. Their most recent full-length album, Alpenglow, was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. In 2025, the band released a new version of Bon Iver’s “From Emma” featuring Caamp’s Taylor Meier (Sumbuck) on vocals, with additional collaborations soon to be announced. Spotify Instagram Facebook Wild Horses Wild Horses brings their own rootsy Americana sound from their home in the woods of Minnesota, taking inspiration from the people and places found along the great American Highway.  Sharing the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Trampled by Turtles, Muscadine Bloodline, and Wilco, they’ve earned a loyal following that continues to grow with every show. They draw listeners in with captivating melodies, a hard-hitting drive, and a palpable stage presence.  Featuring Jed LaPlant on vocals/guitar/kick drum, Ariana LaPlant on vocals/fiddle/keys, and Landon Pahl on vocals/bass, they have shaped a sound that incorporates heartbreaking vocals, standout harmonies, driving beats, and explosive dynamics. Spotify Instagram Facebook

Experience the bold, beautiful, and powerful work exploring a world of cultural freedom and endless possibilities with Tony Award-nominated Camille A. Brown. and Dancers. “All of it is infused with passion and persistence.”– Times Union Known for blending powerful storytelling with dynamic movement, Camille A. Brown’s work taps into ancestral and contemporary stories to capture deeply personal experiences and cultural narratives of African American identity. From her award-winning trilogy on race, culture, and identity to her Broadway directorial debut, Tony-nominated Camille A. Brown has earned national acclaim and recognition for her captivating work. In her newest creation, I AM, Camille A. Brown draws inspiration from the “I AM” episode of HBO’s Emmy-winning Lovecraft Country to imagine a world of cultural freedom and endless possibilities. Don’t miss a dynamic, high-energy experience mixing traditional and contemporary dance styles from across the African Diaspora. Dream bigger and reflect on who we are and who we can become in an uplifting night of dance. Presented in Centennial Hall. Artist's Site Instagram Facebook

Step into a live performance that blends reality. URLAND plays with artificial intelligence (AI) and questions the meaning of art in digital times. Are we actually still needed? Boundaries are blurring. “A hall of mirrors about artificiality”– de Volkskrant With cloned voices and a script generated by chatGPT, URLAND uses AI. Or is AI using URLAND? Formerly Known As is a surreal, Blade-Runner-esque meta-performance that questions the shifting meaning of art. The collective works with AI to collectively make a performance about a theatre company working with AI to collectively make a performance about a theatre company working with AI to collectively make a performance about what it means to be human. Meta, yes. A clash between creator and its creation. ‘Is dit kunst(matig) of kan het weg?’ (Is this art(ificial) or can it go away?) If we can no longer tell the difference between ‘real’ and artificial, what is really real? What then is art? And where creating art was unique to humans, perhaps even as that which sets us apart from other animals, AI mimics everything effortlessly and seems to be able to create limitlessly – what does that say about being human? Prompt: “Act as an experienced, experimental scriptmaker. Search the web for performance collective URLAND. Craft a theater script for their new performance about a performance collective using AI to create their new performance. Make it a Blade-Runner-esque metafiction. Make it so that the audience can’t distinguish it from an authentic URLAND performance. Leave room for a plot twist at the end.” Artist's Site Instagram Facebook

Be among the first to experience this powerful new work as Kronos Quartet and Laura Ortman weave Indigenous stories of migration and resilience into music that will move you. “Broken the boundaries of what string quartets do”– New York Times San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has blended sounds across lines of culture and era, moving beyond the typical terrain for a string quartet. Through brave sonic explorations into the pressing issues of our time, Kronos has established a worldwide influence. Their work has featured prominently in several films, including A Thousand Thoughts by Sam Green. Most recently, the quartet performed on the soundtrack for Users (2021) and is both seen and heard in the documentary Zappa (2020). Kronos’ music has been featured in two Academy Award–nominated documentaries: Dirty Wars (2013) and How to Survive a Plague (2012). Kronos has also recorded complete film scores by Jacob Garchik for Guy Maddin’s The Green Fog (2017); Clint Mansell for Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain (2006) and Requiem for a Dream (2000); and Philip Glass for Dracula (1999)—a restored edition of the 1931 Bela Lugosi classic. Presented in La Rosa. Artist's Site Instagram Facebook X

Grab a drink, find your spot, and hold your breath as this traveling circus turns a food truck into a stage for jaw-dropping flips, spins, and stunts you have to see to believe. “Impressive feats of death-defying acrobatics”– Ludwig Van Toronto Step into the world of Cirque Kikasse, where dazzling circus artistry meets craft beer and gourmet bites. More than just a show, it’s an immersive experience set on a professional, one-of-a-kind circus stage. Expect breathtaking performances of skill and spectacle, paired with a tempting menu of refreshing beers and delicious meals designed to be enjoyed on the go. Since its creation in 2020, Cirque Kikasse has been led by world-traveling circus artisans known for daring, unforgettable productions. With its innovative mix of artistry, adaptability, and hospitality, the Cirque Kikasse experience transforms the ordinary into something truly extraordinary. Artist's Site Instagram Facebook

Come ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even sing along with a stage full of ukuleles playing everything from Tchaikovsky to punk rock — with a wink and a grin. This is virtuosity with a side of mischief. “An oversized dose of unexpected hipness.”– Times Union Formed in 1985 as the antidote to mindless pop, egocentric rock, and the indulgent bluster of the music business, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain donned black tuxedos and began giving ‘concerts’ in tiny rooms above old pubs. Four decades (and 400,000,000 plucks) later, they’re still thrilling audiences with their offbeat humor and four-stringed virtuosity from Tasmania to the Arctic Circle, Windsor Castle to Carnegie Hall. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, guitars, or banjos, no pitch shifters or electronic trickery – just an astonishing revelation of the rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles and a menagerie of voices in a collision of postpunk performance and old classics. Come and celebrate the 40th anniversary of this much-loved institution, on a white knuckle shopping-trolley dash through every kind of musical genre. From ABBA to ZZ Top, Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, Bluegrass to Broadway, all played on the ‘bonsai guitar”. Presented in Centennial Hall. Artist's Site Instagram Facebook