Prescott Jazz Summit
August 21st-24th, 2025
The 24 th Annual Prescott Jazz Summit will be another great event. Musicians from all over the United States will perform for the entire weekend. On Thursday evening, we will present a special event at the Elks Theater. The documentary film entitled “Jewel of the Desert” is being shown at film festivals all over the world and has already won nine international festivals.
Mike Vax and Prescott High School Jazz Band are featured in the film.
Purchase tickets directly from the Elks Theater.
Our Friday night concert will be at Elks Theater. The Saturday free daytime workshops and the evening big band concert will be at Ruth Street Theater at Prescott High School. For Sunday, we have a brand-new venue, The Hazeltine Theater. The Jazz Brunch and Sunday Afternoon Concert will beheld there. Our very popular evening jam session will be held at Torme’ Restaurant. (Inclement weather alternative will be also at the Hazeltine.)
Join us for the 24th Anniversary of the Prescott Jazz Summit
We were thrilled to be back and are excited to kick things off with our meet the musicians reception and the grand opening concert at the Elks Theater.
Our lineup of performers this year come from Nevada, California, and Louisiana, and we offer again a special thanks to our wonderful Quad–Cities and Phoenix local musicians, who are the backbone of our musical presentations.
After 26 years, we know the importance of our sponsors and advertisers and we appreciate your support. Without you, we could not bring this festival to fruition. The business community of the Quad-Cities area are great believers in the arts, and they
show it with their continuing commitment.
Our Educational Outreach Program continues to reach into schools around Arizona to tell students about “America’s Original Art Form,” Jazz Music. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade benefit from our programs.
Mike Vax, Director
Prescott Jazz Summit
Jazz was born in the USA in and around New Orleans. It traveled up the Mississippi River and to both coasts within just a few years, to become America’s true art form. From the 1920’s through the 1940’s music based on Jazz was considered “Pop” music. From Dixieland to big band swing in night clubs and dance halls, to the concert stage, jazz music was the rage. Even what we know as rock n’ roll came from jazz music through rhythm and blues. Our festival journey this year covers everything from jazz origins, through its many versions, including the Latin influence from South America, Cuba and Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoy the trip!!
Join us for a special movie presentation “Jewel of the Desert”
At the Elks Theatre on Thursday, August 21 at 7PM
Surprise is the name of a small town in Arizona, and surprise is what you will feel when you meet the brass band that lives and plays there. The band is made up exclusively of members of a retirement community.
Thirty-eight musicians in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, all getting together for one last push at the freedom and joy provided by music. They will not go quietly into that good night. They don’t play for money or fame, but simply because they love music and understand the power it has to move people. And they want the younger generations to understand it too.
Mike Vax is featured in the film. The Prescott High School Jazz Band is in the movie too!
Remaining Concert Schedule for 2025 Jazz Journey at the Elks
- May 17 – Sax Summit 3 – featuring Dave Russell, Tony Vacca, Chris Counelis
- August 2025: No concert because of festival
- June 14 – Let’s sing a song of jazz featuring Ronnie Rose – popular singer from Las Vegas
- July 12 – The Latin Side of Jazz featuring Miguel “Mambo” DeLeon – vocalist and Latin percussionist
Please stay with our sponsor hotels when you visit Prescott!
Festival Sponsors:
Festival Sponsor
Friends of Big Band Jazz