All Events
Pizza-cato Chamber Music Series
Intimate Concert: Burn City String Quartet
Music of the Past & Present
Friday, November 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm
The Burn City String Quartet is a Phoenix-based ensemble dedicated to performing music from the celebrated historical quartet repertoire alongside music created by the current generation of composers and performers. The heart of the quartet is here in the Sonoran Desert, and BCSQ has particularly enjoyed highlighting music with its roots in Arizona. While BCSQ is still a relatively young ensemble, they have been able to realize this vision in recent performances, which have included multiple world premieres of music by contemporary Arizona-based composers. The members of BCSQ strongly believe that everyone should be able to hear and experience music through traditional and non-traditional performances. The quartet can be found playing in a variety of venues for performance, where they strive to increase access and exposure to the music at the heart of the quartet’s vision. BCSQ seeks to build relationships with audiences, experiencing the joy of music making with a community spirit. burncitysq · SQ op. 71 no. 3 movt. 1 (abridged) - F.J. Haydn
The Texas Tenors
Let Freedom Sing
Saturday, November 22, 2pm & 7:30pm
The Return of Musicfest Favorites
Phat Cat Swinger
A Not So Silent Night
Friday, December 5, 7:30pm
Hollywood's Hottest Little-Big Band
Club Musicfest Series
Intimate Concert: Beth Lederman & Jazz con Alma
Latin jazz, blues, swing, and R&B!
Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00pm
Jazz con Alma is a group of passionate musicians dedicated to breathing new life into familiar tunes. Led by keyboardist Beth Lederman, the group features the captivating vocals of Steven Powell and Diana Lee, two of Arizona's most popular singers. Coverings songs by Stevie Wonder, Cole Porter, Joni Mitchell, Al Jarreau, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Duke Ellington and more, Jazz con Alma takes the songs you love and infuses them with soulful improvisation and irresistible rhythms. Whether you're a die-hard jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated and fun night out, their unique blend of pop sensibility and jazz artistry will captivate you. Get ready to hear your favorite songs in a whole new light!
Music Alive! Holiday Party & Cabaret
with Josh Condon & Friends
Thursday, Dec. 18, 10 am & 1 pm
Celebrate the season with Arizona Musicfest! Join fellow Music Alive! participants for a festive open-house featuring light refreshments, holiday games, and a joyful cabaret performance by local musical theatre stars. Enjoy beloved showtunes and seasonal favorites in a warm, welcoming atmosphere full of music, laughter, and cheer.
Club Musicfest Series
Intimate Concert: The Lewis Nash Quartet
Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Legend
Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00pm
“Rhythm Is My Business” is the title of his 1989 debut recording as a bandleader, and legendary drummer Lewis Nash is all about the business of keeping rhythm. Universally recognized as one of the great drummers in jazz history, his illustrious career now spans over four decades. Nash is one of jazz’s most recorded musicians, appearing on over 500 recordings including 10 Grammy winners and numerous Grammy nominees. In fact, Nash has the distinction of being the only musician in jazz history featured on albums honored in both the “Best Jazz Vocal" and “Best Jazz Instrumental" album categories in two separate years: the 2004 Grammys with Nancy Wilson and McCoy Tyner, and again in 2010 with Dee Dee Bridgewater and James Moody. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis arrived in New York City in 1981 at the age of 22 and first gained international recognition as a member of vocalist Betty Carter’s trio. This was a pivotal time in his development, as he traveled the world for nearly 4 years with Carter and had the opportunity to meet and engage with many of his musical peers and predecessors. In the years to follow, Nash toured, recorded and performed with many of jazz’s most celebrated icons, and his resume reads like a “who’s who” of jazz royalty. These jazz legends include: Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, JJ Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Tommy Flanagan, Benny Carter, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Gerry Mulligan, Hank Jones, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Ray Brown, Kenny Burrell, Milt Jackson, Jim Hall, Jimmy Heath, Randy Weston, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and many, many more! In 2012, The Nash, a jazz education center and performance venue named in his honor, was established in his home town of Phoenix. It has been a focal point of the city’s jazz activity since it’s inception, and has been named ...
Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience
with the Musicfest Pops Ensemble
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:30pm
The Legendary Actor Comes to Musicfest!
Neil Berg: The 70's
Long Live Rock N' Roll
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
One of the Greatest Decades of Rock N' Roll
A Night on Broadway with
Laura Benanti & Norm Lewis
Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:30pm
Leading Artists of the Great White Way
Garrison Keillor at 83
with special guests Heather Masse & Rich Dworsky
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 7:30pm
Stories, Songs and the News from Lake Wobegon
Pizza-cato Chamber Music Series
Intimate Concert: Kodachrome
Award-Winning Saxophone Quartet
Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Kodachrome is a multi award-winning saxophone quartet founded by four graduate students from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Since forming in 2022, Kodachrome has performed and competed throughout the US receiving 1st Prizes in the 10th Coltman Chamber Music Competition, 10th Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and the Gold Medal at the 50th Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. In August 2023, Kodachrome was invited as an ensemble representing the U.S. to perform in the Chengdu International Sister City Music Festival held in Chengdu, China. In September 2023, Kodachrome performed and taught throughout the Midwest during the Double Gold Tour, which was sponsored by the Fischoff Chamber Music Association. Throughout the tour, Kodachrome performed at universities, colleges, soirees, junior high, and high schools in states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Kodachrome was also a featured ensemble on WFMT as a part of the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series held in Chicago, Illinois. Kodachrome enjoys playing all genres of music, with focus on collaborating with composers that move the instrument forward and provide enriching experiences for audiences. Every fall semester, Kodachrome participates in the annual Prisms Contemporary Music Festival held at ASU, where the quartet collaborates with contemporary composers and premieres new works written for the saxophone quartet and various chamber ensembles with the saxophone. The quartet is dedicated to sharing their music within the Greater Phoenix Area and abroad, building a strong community through music. Kodachrome has upcoming performances in Phoenix and several tours throughout the U.S. for the 2023/2024 season and is looking forward to sharing their music with many audiences. Founding members of Kodachrome are Calvin Wong on soprano saxophone, Jade Deatherage on alto saxophone, Siobhan Plouffe on tenor saxophone, and Bonson Lee on baritone saxophone.
The Dreamboats
Bringin' Back Good Ol' 50's Rock N' Roll
Saturday, January 31, 2pm & 7:30pm
Nostalgic Tunes and Electrifying Entertainment
The Barricade Boys
Broadway at the Movies
Monday, February 2, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
An all-new show celebrating Broadway music in the movies!
Club Musicfest Series
Intimate Concert: Carmela y Más
10-Piece Latin Jazz Salsa Band
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 6:00pm
Carmela Ramirez is one of the most influential Producers in the greater Phoenix area. She is an award winning performing artist who has used Arts, Culture and Community as her base for creative entertainment, community engagement and building bridges of understanding. This ten-piece Latin Jazz - Salsa band has graced many stages locally and internationally. A kaleidoscope of Latin/Afro-Cuban rhythms delivered in electrifying musical performances.
Pizza-cato Chamber Music Series
Intimate Concert: Salt River Five
Brass Quintet
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm
The Salt River Five Brass Quintet is a premier chamber ensemble performing throughout the Phoenix metro area, including at events for the City of Mesa, the City of Tempe, MIM, and the Desert Botanical Garden, as well as at private functions. Representing the larger Salt River Brass Band, the quintet strives to engage audiences in life-long learning and enjoyment through brass music. Their performance will take you on a journey through time and around the world, featuring classical, jazz, and pop/film hits as well as international music.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents
The Great American Crooners
Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:30pm
Celebrating Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and More
Patti LuPone
Matters of the Heart
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:30pm
The Broadway Legend Comes to Musicfest!
The Ten Tenors
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:30pm
Performing Some of the Greatest Songs of All Time
Festival Orchestra & Chorus
Mozart Symphony No. 35
and The Drop That Contained the Sea
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 3pm
Mozart Meets a Modern Masterwork
Festival Orchestra
Rachmaninoff & Brahms
Featuring Ben Beilman, Violin
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7:30pm
One of the Leading Violinists of his Generation
Festival Orchestra
American Portraits
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:30pm
A Symphonic Salute to America
Festival Orchestra
The Planets & Tchaikovsky
George Harliono, Soloist
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 3pm
A Celestial Musical Masterpiece
Club Musicfest Series
Intimate Concert: Stars of The Phoenix Theatre Company
The Billboard Hits of Broadway
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Michael Feinstein: Big Band Broadway
Featuring The Carnegie Hall Big Band
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:30pm
Broadway’s Biggest Hits...Big Band Style
Pizza-cato Chamber Music Series
Intimate Concert: AZ Opera Pullin Studio Artists
Opera, Musical Theatre, and more!
Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of sheer talent and musical brilliance with the exceptionally gifted artists of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera. Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 550 applicants, these rising stars represent the future of opera! This special concert will showcase an exciting and diverse repertoire, offering something for every musical taste. The Lifelong Learning Series audience will be treated to a dynamic selection of styles, ranging from opera favorites, to musical theatre classics and even jazz. Whether you’re a longtime opera lover or simply appreciate extraordinary vocal talent, this is a program you won’t want to miss. Experience the passion, storytelling, and artistry of these remarkable performers as they take center stage in a spectacular celebration of music.
Charlie Chaplin's SMILE
with Philippe Quint
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 7:30pm
An Exploration of Chaplin, His Music, and His Movies
Three American Troubadours
Celebrating James Taylor, Carly Simon & Carole King
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
Celebrating the Great Singer-Songwriters
The Hot Sardines
Vive Le Jazz with the Musicfest Pops Ensemble
Monday, March 23, 2026, 7:30pm
A Swinging Journey from Paris to New Orleans
Electric Light Orchestra Experience
Celebration of the Music of ELO
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
Astonishingly Faithful to ELO’s Original Recordings
An Intimate Evening with
David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
The Powerhouse Music Duo
Club Musicfest Series
Intimate Concert: Kelli James - Stages of Life
with Josh Condon, piano
Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Kelli James has a career that spans over 47 years and includes leading roles on Broadway, National Tours and on international stages. On Broadway, Kelli was in the Tony Award winning original company of Les Misérables, later taking over the role of Eponine as the first North American actor to play the role. Kelli has been seen around the country in several award winning productions including the LA revival of Hair and the San Francisco production of The Rocky Horror Show as Columbia. Playing the role of Peron’s Mistress, Kelli was featured in the LA production and First National tour of Evita, directed by Hal Prince. She was also in the Toronto companies of Aspects of Love as Giulietta Trapani and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as The Narrator starring opposite Donny Osmond. Other notable productions include Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hand-picked cast for his premiere concert tour The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Chess In Concert in Toronto, The Tribute To Hal Prince in Munich, Germany and The Night of 1000 Voices at Royal Albert Hall in London. Arizona audiences have seen her in Gypsy as Mama Rose, Beauty And The Beast as Mrs. Potts, Cinderella as The Fairy Godmother and Follies as Carlotta Champion. She won an Arizoni Award for her direction and been nominated for 3 Arizoni Awards as a performer. She has been coaching and teaching musical theater performance for over 20 years at her studio called The Broadway Advantage Performing Arts Studio in Scottsdale, Arizona
The British Invasion Years
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2pm & 7:30pm
A 60’s Musical Revolution from Britain to America
Pizza-cato Chamber Music Series
Intimate Concert: Paradise Winds
Reed Quintet
Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Paradise Winds, a Phoenix, AZ-based reed quintet, met while pursuing advanced degrees in music at Arizona State University and have been performing together since 2005. Paradise Winds appeared to over a million weekly listeners on American Public Media’s Performance Today in 2011 and 2013. In recent past, Paradise Winds was featured in the Phoenix-based award-winning Downtown Chamber Series, collaborated with the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale, and have appeared with Classical Revolution PHX. Individual members of Paradise Winds have appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, AIMS Festival Orchestra (Graz, Austria), Wintergreen Summer Music Festival Orchestra (Virginia, USA), and in Arizona with the Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera, and Ballet Arizona. The quintet has performed at annual conferences for the International Double Reed Society (IDRS) held in Arizona, Ohio, California, Tokyo, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and for the 2014 International Clarinet Association conference in Louisiana. They have also performed at North American Saxophone Alliance conferences in 2011, 2012, and 2015. Active teachers, members of Paradise Winds hold positions at Arizona State University, the Maricopa Community Colleges (Phoenix-area), and have served in positions and given residencies abroad in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Ecuador, and Qatar. Agents of new repertoire, Paradise Winds has commissioned works by Deborah Kavasch, John Marvin, Robbie McCarthy, Kurt Mehlenbacher, Alyssa Morris, and Kincaid Rabb, and premiered the first-ever North American concerto grosso for reed quintet and orchestra by Graham Cohen during the 2014-2015 season with MusicaNova Orchestra.
Ragtime
A Theatrical Concert Experience
Fri., April 24, 2026, 7:30pm, Sat., April 25, 2:00 & 7:30pm, and Sun., April 26, 2:00pm
The Tony-Winning Great American Musical