Jazz lovers, get ready to swing through the streets of Chandler this April because Jazz Appreciation Month is set to spread its infectious groove throughout the city, bringing a heavy dose of smooth saxophones and trumpets to every corner. The City of Chandler has a jam-packed lineup of events to celebrate the occasion, from the toe-tapping Chandler Jazz Festival to a series of concerts known as Jazz on the Move.
According to the City of Chandler's official announcement, the festivities will kick off with the Chandler Jazz Festival from April 4-7, showcasing local and national acts and encouraging attendees to take advantage of the city's diverse dining scene. Festival-goers will be treated to sidewalk band performances near d'Vine Gourmet and Crust Simply Italian, and they can catch major acts at the Main Stage in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park come Saturday, April 6, where the likes of the Nash Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Cocomama will take to the limelight in a setting that's as family-friendly as it is alcohol-free.
Further cranking up the brass is the Jazz on the Move concert series, making stops at various locations across Chandler in April, including the Chandler Museum and Sunset Library, where the Ioannis Goudelis Trio will dazzle audiences according to the event schedule. The museum hosts an exhibition, "Shutter and Sound: The Jazz Photography of Bob Willoughby," aligning perfectly with the theme, and extends operating hours for the jazz connoisseurs wanting to take a closer look on April 11.
The city hasn't forgotten about its littlest music enthusiasts either, with the Sunset Library gearing up for a Family Storytime Jazz event crafted for kids under five, complete with crafts and a chance to play musical instruments in the Music Garden—a perfect way to butter up the next generation of jazz aficionados. Adding to the youth engagement, the Young Artist Jazz Showcase concert series features high school talents at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park on Wednesdays, with the Basha Varsity Jazz Band and Perry High School Jazz I taking center stage on April 10 and April 17 respectively, and more young talent to be announced, ensuring the jazz baton is firmly passed to the youngens.
Adult jazz heads haven't been left out either, with a special Our Stories session at the Downtown Library starring Charles Lewis, a figure who shaped the Arizona jazz scene since the 1950s. Lewis shares his story and serenades the crowd on April 27, an event expected to draw fans of both jazz history and dulcet piano tones. For the full gust of Jazz Appreciation Month's sax appeal in Chandler, including schedules and more event specifics, check out the City of Chandler's official event page.
