Ravenscroft sets largest fall concert season in venue history

Ravenscroft in Scottsdale has unveiled a record-setting 2026 fall concert lineup running from September through December, with more than two dozen shows across Ravenscroft Hall and Jazzbird Lounge. The season features jazz stars, tributes, holiday programming and broadens the venue’s push as a live-music destination.

Why it matters: - Ravenscroft says the 2026 fall season is its largest in venue history, signaling stronger demand for live jazz and genre-crossing concerts in Scottsdale. - The lineup expands the venue’s cultural footprint with nationally recognized artists, holiday programming and multiple performance formats. - Tickets are already on sale, giving audiences months of advance booking for the September-through-December run.

What happened: - Ravenscroft announced its 2026 fall concert season in Scottsdale, with performances scheduled from September through December. - The season spans Ravenscroft Hall and the Jazzbird Lounge. - Featured acts include Sandra Bassett on Sept. 4, Benjamin Cortez: Come Together — A Jazz Tribute to The Beatles on Sept. 26 and Jaleo on Oct. 10. - Additional highlights include Mingus Dynasty on Oct. 2, Michael Collins Trio: Music of West Side Story on Nov. 13, Tony Bennett's Centennial Celebration featuring Tommy Gearhart on Nov. 21, the Dmitri Matheny Group on Dec. 4, A Charlie Brown Christmas with Nicole Pesce on Dec. 12 and Paul Cornish: Yuletide & Jazz on Dec. 18.

The details: - Sandra Bassett’s opening concert will showcase Gospel, jazz, R&B, Motown, soul and more. - Benjamin Cortez’s program will reinterpret Beatles songs through contemporary jazz. - Jaleo will focus on Cuban music and the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club. - Mingus Dynasty will honor jazz visionary Charles Mingus. - Michael Collins Trio will present a creative reimagining of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story score. - Tommy Gearhart will headline a tribute marking Tony Bennett’s centennial. - The Dmitri Matheny Group will present Santa's Got A Brand New Bag, a Christmas-themed jazz set. - Paul Cornish’s show will blend jazz tradition with hip-hop, Gospel and contemporary improvisation. - Ravenscroft says the full fall schedule includes more than two dozen concerts across traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, Latin music, singer-songwriters, Christian artists, holiday programming and special events. - Ravenscroft Hall seats 200 people and is promoted for world-class acoustics and an immersive concert experience. - Jazzbird Nights turns the Jazzbird Lounge into a Friday-night live jazz venue with craft beverages and chef-prepared dining. - Tickets are available at the venue’s website, by calling the box office at (480) 885-0249, or in person at 8445 E. Hartford Drive in Scottsdale. - Ravenscroft also directs visitors to the complete concert schedule for additional artist information.

Between the lines: - The lineup leans on recognizable names and tribute formats, a booking strategy that can broaden appeal beyond core jazz audiences. - The mix of straight-ahead jazz, holiday shows and crossover programming suggests Ravenscroft is positioning itself as a year-round destination rather than a niche club. - Artistic director Angelo Versace said the season’s variety and the caliber of artists are the main draw, alongside the venue’s intimate setting.

What's next: - The fall season begins Sept. 4 and runs through Dec. 18. - More performances may continue to drive traffic to Ravenscroft’s Friday-night Jazzbird Nights and its broader concert calendar. - Audience members can expect a steady rollout of performances across the season rather than a single marquee event.

The bottom line: - Ravenscroft is betting on scale, variety and intimacy to make its 2026 fall season a record-setting run for Scottsdale live music.