The Fox’s stage will be swinging this fall, with three different groups (Julia Keefe Indigenous Band Ensemble, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and Squirrel Nut Zippers)! Join big band leader and artistic director of Tucson’s jazz club, the Century Room, to explore how rhythms coming from Africa to the Caribbean and New Orleans eventually worked their way through the United States, resulting in the swing craze of the 1930s and ‘40s and the early rock and roll that emerged from it. In addition to the discussion, be ready for some live drumming and dancing to bring the material to life!

Musical impresario Arthur Vint has dedicated his life to the preservation and proliferation of jazz music through his work as Artistic Director at the Century Room, faculty member at the University of Arizona School of Music, and president of the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative, in addition to being an in-demand session drummer. A veteran of the New York music scene, Arthur has toured with Postmodern Jukebox, performed with Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, and recorded extensively as a sideman and leader.  He now co-leads the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra, which performs classic big band repertoire from the 1930s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

Michelle Kostuk started dancing Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz in 2007. Since then, she has been an avid performer, teacher, and dance community organizer in her home city of Tucson, Arizona.