Jazz Legends Live!

September 23, 2017

VIP Dinner 5:30pm
Concert 7:00pm

Jazz Legends Live has brought world-known musicians from around the country to Tucson for more than a decade. The Legends have performed with the best of names in jazz, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Tony Bennett. This unforgettable benefit concert entertains audiences with spontaneity and the intimacy of jazz music was meant to invoke.

Each year, a new ensemble of Jazz Legends, individually famous for their unique work, comes to Tucson for a charity benefit concert, to give audiences an unforgettable performance.

Hosts Don and Paula Redman & Al and Marilyn Cook began the Jazz Legends concert series in their backyard 13 years ago as a fundraiser for the Arts Council. The popular jazz concert has attracted larger audiences each year.

All the monies raised from this spectacular event will go directly back to local schools to support dwindling music and art programs.

"The first party was in our home," Al Cook said. The star was famous Hollywood jazz clarinetist, Abe Most, Cook said. "It attracted 40 people, and it was rained out," Cook said. Despite the weather, the show went on inside Cook's home and was a huge success, introducing the annual series of jazz concerts that have followed. 

In 2016, we lost our dear friend, Board of Director, and dynamic Lover of Jazz, Al Cook.  We dedicate this event to the memory of Al Cook, and his invaluable commitment to the arts. 

Tickets $55-$2,500

$55.00          Concert Only-Section C (Back Rows)
$65.00          Concert Only-Section B (Middle Rows)
$150.00         VIP Dinner + Concert Seating
$250.00        Platinum VIP Experience
$1,250.00      VIP Table of 10
$2,500.00     Platinum VIP Sponsor - Table of Ten

Why?

Outside of the typical norm of SAACA usual presentation and emphasis of local musicians, the Jazz Legends LIVE event in a donor designated and supported benefit concert, intended to raise much needed monies and support for SAACA art therapy and music programs for local Veterans, as well as Arts Education outreach. 

Jazz Legends LIVE features an ensemble of celebrated musicians who come together in Tucson to put on an unforgettable performance. Unlike a traditional jazz concert Jazz Legends LIVE emphasizes the organic nature of jazz. Rather than pre-planning the musical set, the performers collaborate live to create an improvisational jazz experience. 

Location

Lodge at Ventana Canyon
6200 N Club House Ln Tucson, Arizona, 85750

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon sits against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Nestled within this spectacular setting is a semi-private country club and Lodge with just 50 suites and 36 holes of golf.  $165 Nightly Promotional Rate at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon, with code JAZZ.  Book Now!

Get Involved

Donate an item, gift certificate or other goods to the charity silent auction featured at the event.
We are always in need of a few good volunteers. 
Register to Volunteer Online
Download the Event Sponsorship Packet, and support a great cause, while having fun.

2017 Musicians

Lewis Nash
Drums
http://www.lewisnash.com/

"Rhythm Is My Business" is the title of his debut recording as a leader, and rhythm is a booming business as far as Lewis Nash is concerned. He is the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists - from the masters of the music to the hottest young players of today - and is equally in demand as a clinician and educator.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at age 10. By age 18, he was performing with local jazz groups. By the time he was 21, Nash had become the "first call" jazz drummer in Phoenix, working with Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, Red Garland, Lee Konitz, Barney Kessell and Slide Hampton during their engagements in the city.
In 1981, Nash moved to New York City and joined the trio of the great jazz vocalist Betty Carter. For nearly four years, he toured internationally with Ms. Carter. He is featured on three of her recordings, including the Grammy winning "Look What I Got."

World-renowned bassist Ron Carter hired Nash in 1984. As a member Carter´s nonet, quintet and quartet, Nash toured extensively and is featured on several of the bassist´s recordings.
In the fall of 1986, saxophonist Branford Marsalis asked Lewis to join his quartet. That active association spanned two years and several continents, and is documented on Marsalis´ Grammy nominated recording "Random Abstract", as well as two videos: Royal Garden Blues (directed by Spike Lee) and "Branford Marsalis - Steep".

1988 marked the return to the jazz scene of trombone master J.J. Johnson. Johnson frequently asked Lewis to provide rhythm duties for his band. That same year, Nash joined the Don Pullen/George Adams quartet, succeeding the late Dannie Richmond. 1989 proved to be an even busier year for Lewis, touring with legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins. He also performed with Stan Getz, Art Farmer, Clark Terry and Milt Jackson.

From 1990 to 2000, Lewis was a member of the Tommy Flanagan Trio, and is featured on seven CD recordings with the late piano master. During this period, Nash also toured and recorded with both the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. His impressive discography (over 300 recordings) includes projects with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Benny Carter, Hank Jones and John Lewis, as well as new jazz stars Diana Krall, Joe Lovano and Roy Hargrove. Demonstrating his stylistic diversity, Nash is also featured on recordings by Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Nancy Wilson, Kenny Rankin, Melissa Manchester and George Michael.

Currently, while he continues to perform and record with a wide variety of artists, Nash leads several of his own exciting groups, from duo to septet. Outside of his many touring and recording accomplishments, thanks to the sponsorship of Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads and Regal Tip drumsticks, Lewis has become a sought after jazz educator. His lectures, clinics and workshops are as much in demand as his bandstand and studio work. Lewis Nash: Rhythm is indeed his business!
Bobby Floyd
Piano
http://www.bobbyfloyd.com/ 
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Bobby Floyd's talent has launched him into a very rewarding career, putting him in demand and making him one of the favorite, first-call pianists/organists for many well known artists. He has traveled the world accompanying Ray Charles on piano and organ. He currently makes guest appearances with some of the most distinguished orchestras, including The Boston Pops, The Rochester Philharmonic, and The Detroit Symphony. He is presently the feature pianist for the world-famous and legendary Count Basie Orchestra. He also tours nationally and internationally as organist for the Grammy Award winning Dr. John.

The prestige associated with Floyd's worldwide appearances can also be witnessed at home. In his hometown, Columbus Ohio, Bobby is the feature pianist & organist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Byron Stripling where he has performed with a large number of major artist. He is occasionally featured with The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and other arts organizations and venues throughout Columbus and Ohio.
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He has also completed several recordings that can be purchased at many of the major online services including amazon.com, iTunes, and cdbaby. Bobby's recordings and live performances demonstrate his ability to electrify audiences and have received the highest praise from critics and musicians alike.  
Niki Haris
Vocals
http://www.nikiharis.com/ 
Niki Haris, daughter of Grammy nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, grew up in Middle America, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was college educated in Southern California. Niki then pursued her singing career in the usual amusement parks and clubs in the California area. This dynamic woman has since gone on to work with a multitude of recording artist ranging from Pop, R&B, to Jazz. Her live performances and recording experience reads like a who¹s who of the music world. With names such as; Ray Charles, David Sanborn, Patrice Rushen, Michael Sembello, Leann Rimes, Michelle Branch, Santana, Kylie Minogue, Luther Vandross, All Saints, Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders, Stanley Turrentine, the Righteous Bros., Julian Lennon, Anita Baker, Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston and Madonna.

Her vocal film work is also featured on the soundtracks of Whoopi Goldberg¹s ³Corrina Corrina², DreamWorks ³The Big Green², ³Coyote Ugly² with Leann Rimes, and Disney¹s ³Anastasia². She has also recorded multiple television themes as well as co-writing and performing 2 new songs for the Fox series ³Dark Angel".

​​Although her career has focused on singing and dancing, choreography and acting are also a part of her immense career. After choreographing the MTV Awards for Madonna, Niki helped stage scenes for Sharon Stone in ³Basic Instinct² as well as choreographing for the television series ³Melrose Place². Lead appearances in Madonna¹s ³Truth or Dare² and featured artist on the HBO special ³Sandra After Dark² as well a roles in Al Pacino & Robert Deniro¹s ³Heat² have led to public awareness and a desire to strengthen her acting career. Niki continued to strengthen her singing career while touring with her father and promoting their albums, ³Down Home Blues² and their inspirational CD ³In His Hands². After her father¹s untimely passing in January and the release of their live CD, ³Jazz Alley Cats², Niki resumes her love of jazz and carries on her father¹s legacy.

This talented artist leaves no stone unturned, and with 18 years of recording & touring with Madonna, Niki was once again called on the road for her ³Drowned World Tour 2002² as well as being featured in her Grammy nominated music video ³Music². All this while promoting her own tour and smash single, ³Dancefloor² remixed by DJ/Producer Junior Vasquez.
After completing 2 tours back to back Niki quickly went into the studio to record a new dance CD ³Total Love² as well as a new live jazz CD ³Live in Switzerland² and a live gospel record ³The Beginning² recorded with John Barnes at Innersound Studios; all released in the summer of 2003.

Niki continues to share her gifts throughout the years by performing at a multitude of benefits for AIDS, Cancer research as well as Camp Harmony for inner city children. Niki continues to be called upon to lend her inspirational voice by notable speakers such as Mark Victor Hansen ³Chicken soup for the Soul² & Reverend Michael Beckwith (The Secret) She is also a strong supporter for the Music in the Classroom program and RAAD, Rockers Against Drunk Driving. She diligently lends her time in serving and is an annual participant in the Season for Non Violence.
With all this, Niki has concentrated on her songwriting as well as pursuing acting and singing and continues to be a focused and dedicated, multi talented artist.
Tom Kennedy
Acoustic & Electric Guitar
http://www.tomkennedymusic.com/
Tom Kennedy is an accomplished touring and studio musician who ranks as one of the top acoustic and electric bass players in the world.  By his late teens, he had already performed with jazz icons such as Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Nat Adderly, Sonny Stitt, George Russell, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. Since then, Tom   has performed and recorded with Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Dave Weckl, Michael and Randy Brecker, Al DiMeola, Simon Phillips, Steve Gadd, Frank Gambale, Steve Lukather, David Sanborn, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Joe Sample and Harvey Mason, to name a few.  Along with a lifelong career as an international touring artist, Tom has released five solo projects to date and has appeared on over 200 recordings.

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Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors