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All that Jazz in Mesa: two new jazz events for the fall season!

by Christina Esparza | September 27, 2018

Ever wonder about the birthplace of Jazz in America? We're sure big cities like New Orleans, Chicago and New York come to mind. FREE screenings of the film Jazz by Ken Burns will be hosted every Thursday, September 20 through December 7, starting at 7 PM in Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum’s Dobson Lecture Hall. Learn stories and insights about jazz sensations like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. The screenings cover eras of jazz from its start to the 1930s, all the way to present day jazz. Before the screening, regional and national jazz experts will serve as special guest hosts to lead discussions and Q&A. For more information, visit https://www.mesaartscenter.com/jazzfilms.

Sound in the Ground: Nash Nights is a new concert event at Mesa Arts Center! On October 5, hear the beats of the drum and the soul of the saxophone of Joe Saylor Quartet coming from the depths of the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum Courtyard. Then, join us November 2 to hear the Best of Phoenix award-winning jazz and blues vocalist Francine Reed. Francine has been part of Lyle Lovett’s Large Band as a jazz vocalist. Finally, on December 7, MAC presents Cuban jazz trumpeter Josiel Perez. Josiel has composed music for the Afro Cuban Jazz Project and is currently teaching the Latin Jazz Ensemble class at Paradise Community College. Join us for one of all of these soulful Jazz evenings at Sound in the Ground: Nash Nights event. Check out https://www.mesaartscenter.com/nashnights for more information.

In addition, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum will be open for each event, where five jazz themed exhibitions of contemporary art will be on display. Save time to explore everything MAC has to offer!