SE Valley Times

Chandler, Arizona, is set to host its annual Jazz Festival from April 3-6, as part of the city's celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. The festival will feature performances by both local and national artists, offering a range of music styles from traditional jazz to fusion and smooth jazz.

The event will take place across various locations in Downtown Chandler, with all venues within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. The festival's schedule includes sidewalk band performances on Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m., Friday from 5-7 p.m., Saturday from 2-4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

On Saturday evening, the Main Stage at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza will host performances by renowned jazz musicians. The lineup includes The Corcoran Holt Quintet at 5 p.m., Typhanie Monique at 6:30 p.m., and Lakecia Benjamin at 8:00 p.m. Pete Pancrazi Duo with Todd Johnson will perform on the secondary stage before and between these sets.

Corcoran Holt is noted for his early start in music, having begun playing West African percussion instruments at age four and upright bass at age ten. Typhanie Monique, originally from Chicago and now residing in Arizona, is recognized as a bandleader, songwriter, vocalist, and educator with significant influence in the jazz scene. Lakecia Benjamin has been acknowledged by the Downbeat Critics Poll and the Jazz Journalists Association for her dynamic saxophone performances that blend jazz with hip hop and soul.

Festival attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfort during Saturday's Main Stage events where food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted; however, guests may bring sealed bottled water and snacks.

The Chandler Jazz Festival is organized by the City of Chandler in collaboration with several partners including Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, Chandler Public Library, Chandler Recreation, The Nash, WM, and The Parks at Copper Creek.

For more details about the festival schedule or other inquiries, visit the official Chandler Jazz Festival website.