Mission:
Jazz in Arizona/The Nash celebrates the rich tradition and ongoing innovation of jazz by presenting quality live performances, providing unique educational programs, and building an inclusive jazz community in the greater Phoenix area and beyond.
History:Â
The Nash opened its doors in April of 2012 with an inspiring educational program for over 130 young students by Lewis Nash and All-stars, featuring jazz legend and educator Wynton Marsalis. Watch this history here!
Lewis Nash, for whom the center is named, was raised and born in Phoenix.  He began playing drums at age 10 and was drawn to jazz by the age of 18 when he performed with local jazz groups.  Now an internationally-renowned drummer, Lewis is acclaimed "the most valuable player" in jazz (Modern Drummer Magazine). Since April of 2012, performance and educational programs at The Nash have continued to grow, including weekly jam sessions, clinics taught by top educators, big band performances, new and mainstream jazz concerts, First Friday Art Walks with live jazz, special performances by local and visiting musicians, and a variety of other jazz happenings.  The grand opening was celebrated on September 30, 2012,  at a jam session with Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson and Lewis Nash officially cutting the ribbon, followed on October 3 by two celebratory concerts with Lewis Nash and All-stars. The Nash is the heart and soul of  Jazz in Arizona.  Jazz in Arizona is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1977, with a proud history of encouraging and supporting the performance and appreciation of the great original American art form of jazz.
