Celebrate the Powerful Connection Between Two Iconic American Art Forms
Tucson, AZ (April 10, 2026) -- International Dance and International Jazz Days celebrations kick off this month on April 29 with three days of music, rhythm, and community. Beginning on Wednesday, April 29th, International Lindy Hop champion Naomi Uyama returns from Minneapolis to teach her signature swing dance lessons at the Tucson Creative Dance Center.
Those lessons will be put into practice the following evening, April 30, at the Hotel Congress Plaza as guests dance to the music of the award-winning Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band directed by Brice Winston. Naomi Uyama will bring her signature electrifying performance style to the stage as well with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils, a 7-piece swing band featuring local artists Jason Carder/trumpet, Aidan Schofield/trombone, Brice Winston/saxophone, Ed DeLucia/guitar, Leo Stealey-Euchner/piano, Scott Black/bass, and Arthur Vint/drums.
The public is invited to enjoy this Swing Era big band themed evening presented by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation & The Century Room at Hotel Congress, made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Student tickets are only $10, and students under 18 are free!
“Naomi is one of the best bandleaders I’ve had the privilege of working with - she is uniquely qualified to lead a dance band because she knows all the songs and tempos that the dance community does! I’m excited for this event, which hopefully turns into an annual celebration of jazz and swing dance!” - Arthur Vint, Century Room Artistic Director
For those who want more - Ms. Uyama and her band will appear at the Century Room at Hotel Congress on May 1st for two evening shows - dancing in your chair encouraged!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
April 29, 6-9pm - Dance Lessons at Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N Cherry, Learn the 8-count Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Solo Jazz Routine from Naomi Uyama—perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike. To register visit tjmfdn.org/international-jazz-day-international-dance-day-celebration/
April 30, 6-10pm - Live Music by the Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band and Naomi Uyama and Her Handsome Tucson Devils on the Plaza at Hotel Congress
A beginner 6-count Lindy Hop dance lesson kicks off the event with Naomi Uyama, followed by the award-winning TJI Ellington Big Band directed by Brice Winston playing some high energy swinging classics. Naomi & Her Handsome Devils close the event with dancing until 10 pm.
Purchase Tickets online or at the gate on the evening of the event.
May 1- 6:30pm and 8:30pm -Naomi and Her Handsome Tucson Devils at the Century Room at Hotel Congress, For tickets visit Century Room
This 3-day celebration is sponsored and organized by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation and the Century Room with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The Foundation is dedicated to making jazz music education accessible. Thanks to the support from donors and sponsors, those 18 and under can attend the Plaza celebration for free, and scholarships are available for Naomi's dance workshops.
