Celebrate Latin Jazz
Sat. & Sun., April 11 & 12, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Schedule of Activities
Immerse yourself in the fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz improvisation through live performances, engaging lectures, and dance workshops. Enjoy two days of exciting Latin beats, from golden age classics to futuristic grooves.
Supported by the Nash
Programming supported in part by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Craft: Güiro
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
South El Río
Craft a güiro and play along with the day’s performances!
Photo Booth
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
El Río
Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Drop-In Guitar Performance: Luis Martinez
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Jill Dahlin Courtyard
Enjoy a cafecito and listen to instrumental Latin jazz.
Curator Talk: Latin Jazz Roots, Pioneers, and MIM Collections
10:30–11:00 a.m.
Event Room 2
Explore the roots of Latin jazz and its pioneering artists with Daniel Piper, curator for Latin America and the Caribbean, and delve into the dynamic musical exchanges between the United States and the Latin Caribbean that fueled the development of this international genre.
Brazilian Jazz Performance: The Marcelo Boccato Trio
11:15 a.m.–noon
Main Courtyard
Enjoy groovy, piano-driven Brazilian jazz.
Guest Talk: Alvaro Moreno
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Founders Room
Learn about the diversity of Latin jazz from Alvaro Moreno, a Colombian musician and bandleader of Jaleo.
Presentation sponsored by the Nash
Latin Jazz and Salsa Performance: Carmela y Más
1:30–2:15 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Experience the vibrant spirit of this 10-piece Latin jazz and salsa band as they perform the music of Tito Puente and Celia Cruz!
Latin Drumming Workshop: AZ Rhythm Connection
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Founders Room
Try your hand at Latin hand-drumming in this fun workshop!
Son Cubano Performance: Jaleo
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Watch this local crew come alive with vibrant rhythms and Latin flair, performing classics from the Buena Vista Social Club and more.
Craft: Güiro
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
South El Río
Craft a güiro and play along with the day’s performances!
Photo Booth
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
El Río
Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Drop-In Guitar Performance: Luis Martinez
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Jill Dahlin Courtyard
Enjoy a cafecito and listen to instrumental Latin jazz.
Guest Talk: Marcelo Boccato Kuyumjian
10:30–11:00 a.m.
Event Room 2
Join Brazilian jazz scholar and Baylor University professor Marcelo Boccato Kuyumjian and learn about jazz in 1960s Brazil through the stories of vocalists Elza Soares and Elis Regina.
Latin Caribbean Performance: Orquesta Juvenil Latino Caribeña
11:30 a.m.–noon
Main Courtyard
Listen to upbeat orchestral Latin jazz tunes from Harmony Project Phoenix’s Latin Caribbean children’s orchestra.
Dance Workshop: Arizona State University Salsa Club
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Founders Room
Learn salsa moves and step and clap along in an exciting workshop!
Latin Jazz Performance: South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Band
1:30–2:15 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Experience the smooth rhythms of Latin jazz from South Mountain Community College’s Latin jazz band, directed by Eddie Gaona.
Latin Drumming Workshop: AZ Rhythm Connection
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Founders Room
Try your hand at Latin hand-drumming in this fun workshop!
Bolero Performance: Bolero Jonze
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Main Courtyard
Enjoy the chill sounds of psychedelic bolero from this Tucson trio!
Weekend ExtrasAvailable for Purchase
Lunch at Café Allegro
Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.
Programming supported in part by
City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture
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