Upcoming Events

Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band

WHEN:

January 3, 2026 7:00 PM

Location:

DesertView Performing Arts Center

About:

This TJI big band, loved for their swinging and energetic big band sounds, is the #1 High School Big Band placing in the top three eight years in a row at the prestigious national Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Competition presided over by Wynton Marsalis. They were named the Best Community Jazz Band in the Annual Student Music Awards in DownBeat Magazine in five of the last ten years. TJI teaches middle school students on Saturdays and night school students on Sundays. They study jazz improvisation in small group classes (combos) and swing era music in big bands. TJI has about 100 students and give many children an outlet they would not have otherwise. Over 90% of their graduates get substantial college scholarships. Their alumni attend some of the most prestigious schools in the nation including Julliard, the Manhattan School of Music, The New England Conservatory, Princeton, USC and Swarthmore (many on scholarship) and have gone on to major careers in jazz music. To learn more about TJI, visit their website TucsonJazzInstitute.com. In this concert the Ellington Band will be joined by Tucson's most popular vocalist, Joe Bourne, Joe has previously recorded a CD with Ellington band, "Orange Colored Sky." The band will play some selections from that recording and some new material delivered with the mellow and soulful sound of Joe Bourne and the youthful exuberant swing of the TJI Ellington Big Band! This is an exciting collaboration that will give you a joyous evening of memorable music.

Price:

$30