Desert City Jazz presents “Prime Cuts” on Saturday, October 28


Join Desert City Jazz as we serve up some of the tastiest big band jazz we’ve ever played.

Our director, LaShaun Tweedie, asked our members to suggest a few of the best charts they’ve ever played. Collectively, we have over 300 years of experience playing in big bands. Many of us have played hundreds of tunes throughout our musical careers. The songs you’ll hear are some of the best arrangements in the big band genre – some modern, some classic, some familiar, and some new – but all great.

Join us on Saturday, October 28, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nash jazz club in downtown Phoenix – a nationally-renowned venue with the perfect ambiance for enjoying great jazz. Get your tickets in advance! This one should sell out.

New Video: Woodchopper’s Ball

At our July 2023 concert “The Kings of Swing,” we presented classic big band charts from the greatest band leaders of the swing era.

Here’s our performance of Woody Herman’s memorable, hard-swinging signature tune “Woodchopper’s Ball.”  Released in 1939, this song sold over a million copies. In 2002, it received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Our version features solos by Ray Botte on tenor sax, Mike Wojciechowicz on alto sax, and Dave Hughes on trombone. Enjoy!

Enjoy more of our videos on the Videos page.

Welcome to Desert City Jazz!

Desert City Jazz is a full-size, 17-piece jazz ensemble (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, bass, drums, guitar) comprised of many of the best jazz musicians in the Phoenix area’s LGBTQ and Friends community. Our director is LaShaun Tweedie.

Come hear us at our next performance! Join our email list to stay informed about when and where the band will be playing next. And like us on Facebook!

Interesting in joining the band? Great! We may have a need for subs or replacement musicians at any time throughout the year, so please let us know of your interest.