Solo saxophone for the opening of Ella by the Park restaurant at the new Hotel Solaya.

Little Chef plays for dancing at the second Phoenix Eastern European Folk Festival at 7:00pm. Starting at 12:00pm, enjoy dance and music workshops on Bulgarian, Serbian, Turkish, Polish, and other Balkan traditions, along with a special guest lecture and cultural exhibition. $30 admission. Learn more.

Little Chef visits Prescott for a of klezmer music and Yiddish songs featuring David Leviyev (vocal), with special guest Ben Negley (trombone). Tickets available at the door: $20 for non-members.

Little Chef performs Yiddish songs and klezmer classics for a private 80th birthday celebration in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

JFUNK plays the annual Brett’s Birthday Bash event at Linger Longer Lounge.

Food, drinks, and free music under the Arizona sun at Scottsdale Civic Center. More info here.

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle. Bring your instrument, not your opinions—we’re here for the music and nothing else.

Peoria’s 2nd Saturdays is a free, family-friendly music and art festival held on the second Saturday of each month from October 11 through April 11 in the heart of Downtown Peoria. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the historic district comes alive with local art, live music, artisan vendors, hands-on activities, and community spirit. Come explore one of Arizona’s most creative monthly gatherings — and experience the best in local art, music, and artisan goods.

Playing jazz and pop hits on the rooftop patio of Phoenix’s newest French restaurant and cafe. Visit Brasserie Melrose.

Max teaches a session on klezmer saxophone at Yiddish New York - one day only!

Practicing Safe Sax: Exploring the Saxophone's Role in Klezmer

Saxophonists of YNY, assemble! This session will provide a safe space for saxophonists of all levels to explore the different roles that the members of the saxophone family can play in klezmer ensembles, as well as opportunities and challenges in adapting klezmer clarinet techniques for saxophone. Through historical recording examples of iconic klezmer saxophonist Howie Leess and instructor demonstrations, participants will gain practical techniques and ideas for developing their own personal klezmer saxophone style. Come prepared to listen, discuss, and perhaps even experience a saxual awakening!

The Bergamot presents “A Cattle Track Christmas”, a magical Scottsdale concert filled with timeless classics and heartfelt originals. Tickets here.

The Bergamot return for a special holiday concert at an annual private party in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Max performs with the Little Chef Klezmer Band at a private bar mitzvah celebration in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece, joined by their full band, share their soaring harmonies, heartwarming stories, timeless Christmas classics and fan-favorite originals that capture the true spirit of the season. Hailed by People Magazine as “the hottest emerging music talent,” The Bergamot invites you to grab your loved ones to celebrate and kick the Christmas season off right! More info here.

Little Chef Klezmer Band performs at the first Open Drom Sessions event.

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle. Bring your instrument, not your opinions—we’re here for the music and nothing else.

Register here.

JFUNK returns to Bisbee’s Sidepony Express festival. Sets at Copper Queen Hotel at 6pm and St. Elmo Bar at 12:30am.

The Nash 13th Anniversary weekend wraps up with a special performance by trumpet phenom Phillip Dizack and The Scottsdale Community College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Eric Rasmussen. This is a rare opportunity to hear one of the premier instrumentalists of his time in a big band setting.

Join us for a special evening of live music with The Bergamot, an acclaimed indie-folk duo (with full band) known for their textured harmonies and fearless songwriting. 

Tickets and more information here.

Little Chef Klezmer Band performs at Congregation B’nai Zion in El Paso, Texas. Featuring klezmer favorites and Yiddish songs with vocalist David Leviyev.

Details TBA

Solo saxophone at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona studio and home.

JFunk performs as part of Resonance 2025, a new Phoenix music festival featuring bands, DJs, artists, and vendors at the historic Icehouse. Time TBA. More info and tickets here.

JFunk performs at Alwun House as part of the Good Grief solo art show by Tifa Holman. Free admission.

JFunk plays Linger Longer Lounge for Brett’s B-Day Art Show with the Lolly Bombs and Katie Mae. $10 cover.

The Scottsdale Community College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Eric Rasmussen, appears with guest artist Michael Mayo at the Nash, Phoenix’s premiere jazz club. Tickets and more information coming soon.

Jordan Wax presents a short set of selections from his new record The Heart Deciphers with members of the Little Chef Klezmer Band at Klezmerquerque, an annual festival of klezmer music and Yiddish dance in New Mexico. Photo: Randi Thompson.