Arizona Jazz Festival

Tyler Danner, Columnist

The Arizona Jazz Festival will be held at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27. Ticket prices range from $65 to $350 for a single-day entrance. Among the ticket options is the “Rockstar VIP Experience,” which is $696 for all three days, or $295 for a single day; this experience includes backstage access, complimentary drinks and meals, meet and greet with the artists, several commemorative items, and entry into multiple VIP-only events. The final ticket option is one that includes a two-night stay at the resort, and two three-day passes for the festival. Pricing for this begins at $1,266, with additional options available costing up to $2,646.

Friday night’s lineup includes artist Maxwell, as well as performing group Eric Darius & Lyfe Jennings. Saturday’s performance includes five artists, and Sunday’s performance will have six. Among the performers appearing are Keyshia Cole and Robin Thicke. The festival promises to carry on regardless of rain or shine, so the resort suggests attendees prepare for any type of weather.

In addition to the main performances, there are two additional events that occur throughout the festival. These events are not as expensive as the main performance, but are still a bit costly. The first event is an All-Star Jam with special guests, live music, and dancing and costs $25 per person. The second optional event is the Gospel Sunday Brunch. This event includes a buffet-style breakfast, and the appearance of several special guests; this event costs $40 per person.

This event has proven exciting for many people over its several years of running. Over the past few years, the event has become larger than ever and serves to provide a smooth-jazz outlet for the Phoenicians who are now deprived of a smooth-jazz radio station. Ticketing information can be found at http://www.arizonajazzfestival.com/tickets.