Opening night of the Tucson Jazz Festival ignites with a vibrant celebration of Latin jazz and salsa, rooted in Tucson and resonating worldwide. Producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Sergio Mendoza—a southern Arizona native and Latin music pioneer—assembles a powerhouse lineup of music and musicians for this unforgettable concert.
Sharing the stage is the Tucson Latin Jazz Orchestra (TLJO), returning under the direction of conductor and arranger Luis Torres. Originally championed by TJF founding director Yvonne Ervin in the early 1990s, TLJO’s return promises to electrify the Rialto.
The evening features internationally renowned saxophonist and flutist Justo Almario, a Colombian-born trailblazer whose career spans Duke Ellington’s band, collaborations with Mongo Santamaria and Chaka Khan, and acclaimed solo recordings. Adding a local spotlight, vocalist Katherine Byrnes brings her dynamic range and artistry to the stage, following standout performances with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Calexico, and Orkesta Mendoza.
This is Tucson’s night to shine: a cross-generational, cross-cultural explosion of rhythm, song, and improvisation that opens the festival with passion and pride.
