2019 Tucson Jazz Festival Announced

The 5th annual Tucson Jazz Festival has been announced with some of the biggest names in jazz arriving to perform on stages all over the city.

The 11-day Tucson Jazz Festival, scheduled for Jan. 11-21, 2019, features headliners Pink Martini performing with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, as well as Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin, making a stop at the Festival with Gimme5 to perform his Circlesongs. Other performances include Asleep at the Wheel, Trombone Shorty, Joey Alexander plus the Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Band with special guest Terell Stafford.

Special EXF with special guests Regina Carter and Eric Marienthal will also perform, as well as Tucson Swings Brightly: The Music of Nelson Riddle featuring Ann Hampton Callaway, and an all-women double bill with the Magos Herrera Quartet with Jane Bunnett and Maqueque.

The 2019 Festival will conclude with a free Downtown Jazz Fiesta featuring Poncho Sanchez on Monday January 21st, (MLK Day). The Downtown Jazz Fiesta will transform downtown Tucson into a concert destination with 30 bands performing in 5 venues including 2 outdoor stages from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition to live performances, the Downtown Jazz Fiesta will include beer gardens, food trucks featuring a variety of cuisines, art demonstrations, interactive experiences and the unique and eclectic bars and restaurants of downtown.

"This year, with the addition of Poncho Sanchez, we expect the Downtown Jazz Fiesta to continue to grow and we are anticipating more than 15,000 attendees," said Yvonne Ervin, founding Executive Director and current Artistic Director.

All shows are expected to sell out this year as ticket sales are currently far ahead of last year's numbers. Last year the Tucson Jazz Festival broke all records with multiple sell-outs and a blockbuster festival finale which drew over 12,000 people downtown.

Tickets can be purchased through the Tucson Jazz Festival website - www.tucsonjazzfestival.org.