THE 18TH SEASON of the Village Jazz Series is set and will be a season full of "must see" concerts! All events are free (just bring your own folding chair) with the music happening every Thursday evening from 6 to 8, January 15 through April 30, in the Village Area of Yuma Palms Regional Center. Make plans to experience great live jazz, in a diversity of forms, sharing its creative warmth under the stars, amid palm trees swaying, water features sparkling, and Yuma evenings mesmerizing - all helping to create unforgettable musical experiences. 

THE MUSIC, of course, is the adventure! Along with appearances by the highly regarded Host Band, Yuma Jazz Company, the series will feature performances by some seriously accomplished and acclaimed jazz artists, including Phoenix vocalist Renee Grant Patrick appearing with standout pianist Nicole Pesce. Bassist, recording artist, and educator, Rob Thorsen will bring his San Diego based trio to the Village stage, and making their first Yuma appearance will be the Trad Jazz sensation from Phoenix, the Hot Beignets. San Diego guitar phenom Louis Valenzuela will dazzle with his highly acclaimed group, and making his first appearance in Yuma will be show-stopping vocalist from San Diego Dennis Gittens performing with pianist Ed Kornhauser and their Quartet.  Pete Pancrazi, the guitar/vocal great from Phoenix, will be returning with his quartet to help make sure the year is phenomenal, and San Diego's traditional jazz favorites the Society Boys will continue their string of outstanding annual appearances. San Diego pianist, composer, and educator Danny Green will round out the list of exceptional out-of-town performers, by making his long awaited return to Yuma with his outstanding Trio.

POPULAR LOCAL MUSICIANS performing this year will include vocalist Mia Delgado, instrumental/vocal duo Jason & Elle, and the always exciting Yuma Big Band.  Continuing the tradition of showcasing outstanding student musicians, the Village Jazz Series will present performances by the jazz bands from Arizona Western College, Cibola High School, Gila Ridge High School, and KOFA High School.

ALL THE MAGIC is provided by Yuma Palms Regional Center, powered by its ROCK STAR parent company Bridge 33.  The much-loved Series would not be possible without the community-minded support of  KYMA, Yuma and Imperial Valley Wealth Management, Nova Home Loans, Long Realty, Gene Bostic - State Farm, Yuma Hears, plus our local newspaper Yuma Sun and our public radio stations KAWC88.9FM, Border Radio94.7FM,

SO, SET THURSDAY EVENINGS ASIDE to enjoy great live music at the Village Jazz Series. Bring your own seating, and bring a friend! Bring a bunch of friends! Plan on picking up something to eat and drink in the Village Area, and then sit back, relax, and luxuriate in the captivating, hip experience that is the Village Jazz Series!

       Need a place to stay while in Yuma?       

Shilo Inns Yuma is a fantastic local partner. If you, or someone you know is visiting Yuma, PLEASE stay with the good folks at the Shilo! It happens to be right by the Venue. To receive a discounted rate, call 928-782-9511, or contact Ruben at Ruben.Pacheco@shiloinns.com and ask for the

Village Accommodations Discount.        

2026 Village Jazz Series Events:

January 15 - Renee Grant Patrick and Nicole Pesce

The Renee and Nicole duo is based in Phoenix, but play to raves just about everywhere. Expect soulful vocals and some seriously virtuoso piano playing!

January 22 - Rob Thorsen Trio

Rob was the first out of town guest artist to appear at the Village Jazz Series way back when. The "first call" Jazz bassist in San Diego, he has performed here numerous times both as a leader and side man with other guest artists. Come hear why we keep inviting Mr. Thorsen and his group for return performances!

January 29 - Mia Delgado and Yuma Jazz Company

Mia is an engaging young vocalist who has truly developed her own sublime style. By combining musical forces with the acclaimed Yuma Jazz Company, an energetic, memorable evening is assured!

February 5 - The Hot Beignets

For the first time at the Village Jazz Series, our audience will get to enjoy the Trad Jazz excitement that has delighted so audiences throughout the Phoenix area. Don't miss the Hot Beignets’ debut in Yuma!

February 12 - Yuma Big Band

There is nothing like the big brassy excitement of a good big band!  The YBB is continually expanding its repertoire and knows how to celebrate the big band era!

February 19 - Jason & Elle

A dynamic duo that is always eagerly anticipated by Village audiences, this vocal and instrumental duo moves listeners with their Latin, R&B, and soul stylings.

February 26 - Louis Valenzuela Trio

A mainstay of San Diego’s thriving jazz scene for more than a decade, Louis Valenzuela has distinguished himself as a guitarist who can deftly perform an array of jazz styles, as well as gospel and rhythm ’n’ blues. Don’t miss Louis and his Trio in Yuma!

March 5 - Dennis Gittens & Ed Kornhauser Quartet

From New York city by way of San Diego, Vocal stylist Dennis Gittens has teamed up with award-winning pianist Ed Kornhauser to create a quartet that will knock your socks off! Don't miss the groups debut performance, in Yuma!

March 12 - Pete Pancrazi Quartet

A not-to-be-missed staple of the Series, Phoenix guitarist and vocalist Pete Pancrazi performs with his quartet, always winning over audiences with his nimble guitar work, warm vocals, and personal charm.

March 19 - Society Boys

San Diego's favorite Trad Jazz Group has become a regular guest of the Village Jazz Series, they are a rousing favorite on the traditional jazz circuit, and their lively brand of Dixieland is always popular with Village audiences.

March 26 - Yuma Big Band

In a return performance this season, the ever popular and exciting Yuma Big Band will max out the Village Area with big, swinging sounds!  Gotta love the YBB!

April 2 - Yuma Jazz Company’s Latin Jazz Eruption!

Sambas, Bossas, Calypso, and Latin rock – the Village Area comes alive with the infectious sounds of the Latin Jazz Eruption, returning after several years absence. Also happens to be YJC percussionist Brandon Coz’ favorite gig of the year – don't miss!

April 9 - Cibola and Gila Ridge High School Jazz Bands

High school jazz band night! Don't miss the excellent young musicians from these two terrific music programs! They love to perform and you will be taken by their energy and talent!

April 16 - Danny Green Trio

The San Diego based group maintains an active performance schedule, and has produced highly acclaimed recordings on their own as well as with strings and with vocalist Leonard Patton. The group particularly excels in live performance – come see them in person and hear for yourself!

April 23 - Arizona Western College and KOFA High School jazz bands

The exciting jazz band from KOFA High School will share this Thursday evening with Yuma's own AWC Jazz Band. Both groups love to perform and the Village Jazz Series provides a perfect stage for their hard-to-contain musical energy.

April 20 - Yuma Jazz Company & Friends

Closing the Series on a high note,  the highly regarded Yuma Jazz Company will perform with some talented "surprised guests." You never know who's going to show up, or what's going to happen, but you know it's going to be fun!