TJF Talks

Tucson Jazz Festival
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Due to the popularity of TJF Talks during TJF2025, we've decided to produce podcast! Khris and Chita invite notables to talk jazz - the life, the vibes, the music, and anything else that pops up!

  1. 2d ago

    Jason Carder: Touring with Ray Charles & Yanni | TJF Talks

    What can a lifetime of performing with legendary musicians teach you about music, creativity, and connection? Trumpet player and University of Arizona educator Jason Carder joins Khris Dodge and Chita on TJF TALKS to reflect on his career, from touring with Ray Charles to performing on some of the world's biggest stages with Yanni. Jason shares stories about his early musical influences, the mentors who helped launch his career, and the delicate balance between improvisation and precision. He also discusses his passion for teaching, the importance of finding your own musical voice, and why Tucson's jazz community stands out. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: music is a conversation, and the connection between performers and audiences is what makes live jazz irreplaceable.

    Jason Carder: Touring with Ray Charles & Yanni | TJF Talks

  2. Oct 1

    Running Tucson's Best Jazz Club | Arthur Vint

    Jazz survives when someone builds the room, funds the band, and gives the next generation a stage. Arthur Vint reveals how he’s doing all three in Tucson, and why live music still matters in a world that’s always trying to pull your attention elsewhere. This conversation moves from the inside of a working jazz ecosystem to the mindset behind it: the Century Room, the Sonora Arts and Music Initiative, university teaching, and the nightly hustle of keeping artists working and audiences coming back. Arthur shares what changed over the past year, how a nonprofit helped make weekly jazz sustainable, and why some of the most important cultural experiences can’t be left to the market. You’ll discover: How the Century Room built a dependable weekly model with jazz jam sessions, big band nights, and sustainable underwriting Why Arthur believes a club in Tucson needs a different strategy than a legendary room like the Village Vanguard in New York The role of audience-building, from welcoming first-timers at the door to turning casual listeners into regulars What changes when you teach drummers at the college level instead of teaching beginners Why residencies, clinics, and school outreach create deeper impact for both artists and students Arthur also opens up about the shift in his own perspective - from chasing big personal milestones to focusing on sustainability, community, and helping other people succeed. He talks honestly about the pressure of keeping a venue alive, the lessons he’s learned by “building the plane while it’s flying,” and the satisfaction of creating opportunities he once wished he had. If you care about jazz, live performance, arts leadership, or building a real local scene, this episode is packed with insight. It’s a candid look at what it takes to keep culture alive week after week - and why showing up in person still changes everything. Timestamps 00:00 - Rapid fire opens with coffee, bebop, brushes, and favorite audiences 02:15 - What changed in Tucson’s jazz ecosystem over the last year 03:29 - How Sonora Arts and Music Initiative now supports jam sessions and big band nights 05:25 - Why sustainability matters more than ticket sales alone 06:08 - Tucson’s appetite for jazz and how audiences shift by night and subgenre 08:36 - Comparing the Village Vanguard and the Century Room 10:28 - How Paul welcomes new listeners into the room 11:03 - Preparing audiences for a Night of Anita O’Day and Oscar Peterson 12:29 - What else is on Arthur’s playlist besides jazz 14:24 - Jazz fusion now, from Miles and Chick Corea to modern artists 15:50 - Learning every role on the job, from bartending to nonprofit leadership 17:12 - Teaching college drummers and learning a more advanced vocabulary as an educator 18:52 - How Arthur’s definition of success has changed over time 20:21 - Moving from personal goals to supporting other people’s growth 21:55 - What Arthur would tell his 2024 self and what he hopes for 2030 24:11 - Why weeklong residencies and outreach could deepen the Century Room’s impact 26:23 - Festival-style school outreach and community connection 27:33 - Blind rank game: five great jazz drummers 29:34 - Why live music matters and why being in the room is different

    Running Tucson's Best Jazz Club | Arthur Vint

  3. Aug 13

    The Man Who Helped Make Tucson a Jazz City | Elliot Glicksman

    How did one idea become the Tucson Jazz Festival? Founder and Board President Emeritus Elliot Glicksman shares how a lifelong love of jazz, a conversation with Jeff Haskell, and early community support helped turn an idea for “Jazz in January” into one of Tucson’s defining live-music traditions. Elliot reflects on the people who helped make the Festival possible, including its first executive director, Yvonne Ervin; why artist workshops and music education have always been part of the mission; and the power of giving young people an experience they may remember for life. He also talks about his own gateway into jazz, why no one should say they “don’t like jazz” too quickly, and why live music matters: every performance is unique, and for a moment, everyone in the room is part of something together. In this episode: The origin story of the Tucson Jazz Festival Starting a festival with “only an idea and enthusiasm” Community support, partnerships, and building a Tucson institution Why TJF education programming matters Eliot’s gateway to jazz through Maynard Ferguson and Herb Alpert How to help new listeners find their way into jazz Why live music is different every time What live performance made you feel part of something bigger? Tell us in the comments. Chapters: 00:00 The moment music brings everyone together 00:17 The idea for a Tucson jazz festival 01:34 Finding the team to make it happen 02:43 Starting with only an idea 05:58 Why education was always part of the mission 08:44 Elliot’s gateway to jazz 10:30 How to introduce someone to jazz 12:50 What makes a great jazz experience 13:43 Why live music matters 14:26 A legacy in Tucson

    The Man Who Helped Make Tucson a Jazz City | Elliot Glicksman

  4. Jul 16

    Naim Amor

    Most musicians learn to connect in just a few seconds, and Naim Amor reveals how street-smart instincts and a unique blend of tradition and experimentation shape his effortless style. From playing in Paris subway stations to building a bold, boundary-blurring sound in Tucson, Naim’s journey showcases the power of adaptability, authenticity, and community in creating meaningful music that resonates beyond notes.In this episode, you'll discover how his multicultural background informs his approach to music and identity, breaking down the barriers between genres and cultures. We break down his insights on: the art of improvisation and connection, how Tucson’s supportive scene nurtures experimentation, and the importance of space and time for creative growth. Naim also shares surprising stories about an unexpected rebrand, the influence of street performance on his craft, and why living in Tucson opened new avenues for artistic freedom compared to Paris.Why does the ability to connect with an audience in seconds matter more than ever? Naim highlights how street performance taught him to read a room, stay authentic, and create an emotional experience, skills vital for any artist today. He discusses how a supportive local scene, like Tucson’s legendary Century Room, can be a catalyst for new talent and innovation, offering a stark contrast to the fast-paced, high-pressure hustle of major markets. Whether you're a jazz musician, an artist seeking space for growth, or simply curious about the intersection of culture, identity, and music, this episode is packed with insights on how to craft an authentic voice and thrive in any environment. Naim Amor’s stories remind us that true artistry comes from embracing your roots, listening deeply, and trusting the process—lessons that apply to creatives everywhere.Want to understand the real ingredients behind a distinct style and the importance of community in artistic evolution? Tune in to hear more from Naim, an artist whose journey embodies the soulful hustle and authentic connection at the heart of all great music. Naim Amor is a Tucson-based composer, guitarist, and singer, originally from France. Known for his boundary-blurring sound and reflective approach, he continues to inspire musicians and listeners with his unique perspective on improvisation, identity, and space.Perfect for musicians, artists, and curious minds interested in how environments shape creativity, this episode offers a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and the timeless power of live connection.

  5. Jul 2

    Jordan Wiley-Hill

    Khris and Chita welcome educator, storyteller, and Fox Tucson Theatre team member Jordan Wiley-Hill to TJF Talks for a conversation about imagination, youth education, and the power of live performance. Jordan reflects on his roots in South Africa, his connection to Jewish storytelling traditions, and his years in the classroom, sharing why authenticity is essential when working with young people. The conversation explores storytelling as an ancient human practice, the magic of stepping into a theater, and why the arts still matter in a screen-filled world. This episode is about connection, inspiration, and the creative experiences that help us better understand what it means to be human.

  6. Jun 18

    Chad Herzog

    Most cultural experiences are fleeting, but live performance creates moments that stay with us forever — if we understand the artistry behind it. Chad Herzog, a visionary arts administrator at Arizona Arts, reveals how intentional engagement and community-focused programming are transforming Tucson’s arts scene from a sleepy, aging audience to a vibrant, youthful community filled with curiosity and connection. In this episode, Herzog shares the behind-the-scenes work that turns ordinary arts events into transformative experiences. You'll discover how a simple jazz listening session in middle school ignited his lifelong curiosity and shaped his career—highlighting the power of inspired teaching and exploration. We break down the innovative strategies Herzog used to invite community participation, turn audiences into active collaborators, and forge meaningful relationships with artists before they even take the stage. His approach goes beyond traditional programming, creating immersive, cross-disciplinary experiences—like connecting musicians with local chefs or involving students in performances—that make art relevant and personal. Herzog discusses the profound importance of trust and relationship-building within communities. He emphasizes that effective curators don’t just select performances—they invite and empower people to participate. This connection is vital in a world where audiences are aging and disengaging, and Tucson’s arts scene is rapidly evolving. The transformation from an average age of 85 to 35, and a rise in student participation, underscores a broader mission: to cultivate the next generation of arts lovers and cultural advocates. Why does live performance matter? Herzog passionately explains how shared experiences in live art unlock our most human selves—breathing, feeling, and connecting in ways that screens or recordings can’t replicate. He reveals his secret to keeping that energy alive: nurturing authenticity, fostering discovery, and creating spaces where everyone feels their presence is valued. If you’re passionate about arts education, community engagement, or curating meaningful cultural moments, this episode is an inspiring masterclass in transforming arts programs into powerful forces for connection and community. Perfect for arts administrators, educators, artists, and cultural lovers eager to deepen their impact—listen now to discover how Herzog’s innovative approach can inspire your own community and elevate live arts experiences to new heights.

  7. Jun 4

    Casey Hadland

    Most musicians never realize how the tiny emotional shifts, influences, and unpredictables shape their sound—and the story they tell through music. Casey Hadland, a versatile drummer deeply rooted in jazz, R&B, punk, and funk, reveals the secret to turning eclectic influences into a cohesive, powerful musical voice that resonates universally. In this candid conversation, Casey shares how his wide-ranging influences influence his approach to both rhythm and composition, from transcribing Tony Williams to balancing deep practice with live performance chaos. You'll discover his unique perspective on how subconscious memories, visual cues, and emotional triggers create authentic art—and how embracing mistakes, like dropping a stick on stage, can elevate performance and connection. We break down fundamental insights: the importance of deep genre immersion, the art of silence and restraint in songwriting, and the crucial difference between sideman and bandleader roles—plus, why more sidemen should step into leadership. Casey discusses the evolving Tucson music scene, how mentorship shapes his growth, and why the universal language of music surpasses all genres and definitions.

  8. Apr 30

    Sarah Tolar

    The secret to transforming a performance into a genuine, magnetic connection is translation of empathy, storytelling, and knowing how to listen. Vocalist, educator, and storyteller Sarah Tolar unlocks the artistry behind truly impactful live music, revealing how she connects with audiences on a soulful level and maintains authenticity no matter how many times she sings a song.Discover why Sarah believes that the key to a compelling performance lies in being present, authentic, and as connected to the audience as the musicians on stage. She shares how her background in both Tucson and New York City shaped her outlook on artistry and individuality, and why the city’s acceptance fuels creativity and genuine expression. Her insights on embracing improvisation, avoiding the trap of overthinking, and trusting the “knower” instead of the “thinker” will resonate deeply with performers and fans alike.We break down her unique approach to storytelling through music, the importance of sincerity and vulnerability, and her secret to staying true when repetition could threaten authenticity. Plus, listen in as she reveals how she manages different musicians, maintains connection, and balances her teaching with performance. Sarah’s philosophies will inspire you to experience music not just as an art form, but as a sacred moment of raw human connection.Perfect for performers looking to deepen their stage presence, music lovers eager to understand what makes live performance so special, or anyone craving a dose of artistic authenticity—this episode is your masterclass in soulful connection.Sarah Tolar is a jazz vocalist and educator celebrated for her expressive phrasing and storytelling, with decades of experience blending the deep emotional currents of jazz with her unique voice.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Due to the popularity of TJF Talks during TJF2025, we've decided to produce podcast! Khris and Chita invite notables to talk jazz - the life, the vibes, the music, and anything else that pops up!

Information

  • Creator
    Tucson Jazz Festival
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23