Thursday Mar. 12 2026 10:00 am
10:00 am - 11:30 am | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Free of Charge
In Part 4 – the series finale, Nicole summarizes the last 4+ decades of jazz piano – and concludes with how the art form arrived at where it currently is in present times.
I. Neo-traditionalism and Smooth Jazz: 1980’s
A closer look at how “Smooth Jazz” was developed, and the artists who helped its inception, such as: David Benoit, Bob James, Jeff Lorber and Russell Ferrante from the Yellowjackets.
II. Global Jazz Renaissance: 1990’s
Examining how jazz became more of a Global Phenomenon with artists like: Michael Camilo, Keiko Matsui & Michael Petrucciani.
III. Jazz Fusion Revival: 2000’s
Just as many things often come full circle, “Fusion” is about to make a comeback; Thanks to the vision of incredible artists like: Hiromi, Brad Mehldau & Vijay Iyer
IV. Today and Tomorrow – The 2010 – 2025+
To conclude, Nicole takes a brief look into just a few of the artists who are current staples in jazz piano, and those who are helping to shape what jazz piano will look like in the future.
Examining mainstays like: Emmet Cohen & Renee Rosnes – along with the future of jazz piano, like 22-year-old Indonesian Jazz pianist Joey Alexander.
Getting Here
The Annex
7950 E. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
7950 East Thompson Peak Parkway
7950 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Led By

Nicole Pesce *
Pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Nicole Pesce entertaining audiences with a unique blend of virtuosity, humor, and pizzazz. Nicole’s “Happy Birthday Variations” video has over six million views on YouTube, and Nicole was recognized by Arizona Foothills Magazine with their “Best of 2014” Award for Best Local Band/Musician. With a repertoire consisting of over 12,000 memorized songs, Nicole is often dubbed “the human iPod,” and is hailed as “one of the top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix,” by the Arizona Republic.
Nicole has performed for George Benson, Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, President George HW Bush, Waylon Jennings, Taylor Hicks, Janet Napolitano, Shaquille O’Neal, President Jimmy Carter, Chris Rock, Steve Nash, The Gypsy Kings, Glen Campbell, Margaret Cho and Brian Setzer. She’s appeared with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, and the casts of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia!
* returning Musicfest artist