Tre Moore* as L.D., Carmiña Monserrat* as Liza Jane and Gina Guarino* as Wanda
(Photo by Brennen Russell)
By Jen Barraza
Phoenix may be far from New Orleans, but this August, the unmistakable soul of the Big Easy is taking center stage right here in the Valley.
Opening this week at The Phoenix Theatre Company, Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo is a brand-new musical that blends history, heart, and the unforgettable rhythms of America’s most musical city. This is not just a show. It is a celebration of culture, community, and the joy that rises through adversity. With music made famous by Jelly Roll Morton and Bessie Smith to Fats Domino and The Meters to Harry Connick Jr. and Lyle Lovett, the soundtrack is a flavorful mix of jazz, blues, funk, and R&B that captures the spirit of resilience and joy.
So while you’re letting the good times roll with us, why not keep the rhythm going? In honor of this show’s spirit, we’re highlighting some of our favorite local venues that celebrate jazz, culture, and creativity just like we do:
The Nash
The Nash in downtown Phoenix is one of the premier jazz venues in the Southwest. Known for its intimate setting and top-tier talent, it is the perfect spot for music lovers of all kinds.
Adam Roberts & Dave Schmidt: Twin Tenors
Friday, August 29 at 7 PM
Double good, double fun, double tenors!
Adam Roberts & Dave Schmidt celebrate the legacy of the tenor saxophone playing bebop, hard bop, modal jazz, and modern tunes destined to become classics.
Pam Morita: My Asian Heart
Saturday, August 30 at 7 PM
MY ASIAN HEART is a semi-autobiographic exploration and journey into Pam Morita’s Japanese-American cultural heritage through originals and jazz standards, including selections from Dave Brubeck’s “Impressions of Japan”.
Visit thenash.org for tickets and more details.
The MIM
The Musical Instrument Museum hosts world-class concerts in an acoustically pristine space. This summer, they welcome a performer who is as surprising as he is talented.
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
September 1 at 6 PM and 8 PM & September 2 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM
Yes, the Hollywood star is also a jazz pianist with a long-running band and an irresistible stage presence. Goldblum launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago. Since then, he and his band have performed for delighted audiences throughout the United States and all over the world, playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards.
Visit mim.org for tickets.
Every ticket you buy to a live event helps keep our creative community thriving. At The Phoenix Theatre Company, we know firsthand how storytelling connects us. From our century-long history to the new voices emerging on our stages today, we believe that theatre and music are vital to the health and happiness of our city.
These upcoming events are the perfect complement to your theatre night and a reminder that our arts scene is as hot as our summer temperatures!
Click here for a PDF of the full article.
*Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.
