Celebrate Kentucky Derby Traditions with the Tucson Jazz Society!
The Kentucky Derby is a celebration of rich traditions: wearing beautiful hats, dressing in fashionable attire, and sipping on refreshing Mint Juleps. The Tucson Jazz Society captures that excitement by hosting Southern Arizona’s Kentucky Derby Jazz Party, combining the spirit of America’s greatest race—the “fastest two minutes in sports”—with the soulful essence of jazz. The only thing missing is you!
Kicking off the festivities is the incomparable saxophonist Dr. Butch Diggs and Friends. Dr. Diggs is a brilliant, versatile musician with an impressive career spanning decades. A master of the saxophone, flute, and keyboards, he is also an accomplished writer, producer, arranger, and recording artist. Butch’s music career began in July 1977, and since then, he has honed his skills to perfection. Beyond his musical talents, Dr. Diggs is also a practicing dentist, advising and mentoring the University of Arizona Pre-Dental Honor Society. Be sure to check out his album Chapter 1 – Butch Diggs, available on iTunes.
Next, the Jazz Party features the unique and soulful sounds of Soul Essential, led by the talented duo of Eric Charles and Amy Virnelson. Eric Charles began his guitar journey in his teens under the mentorship of Robert Lee Herbert, an alumnus of Luther Allison’s Blues Review. After performing in Chicago for decades and spending nearly a decade in Europe, he brings an extraordinary depth of musicality to the stage. Amy Virnelson, known for her work with Bobby Taylor (of Sam Taylor fame), co-founded Soul Essential, managing, singing, and writing. Together, their band takes you on a nostalgic journey from 70s New York funk to Chicago blues and R&B—serving up sweet harmonies, infectious grooves, and a professional presentation you won’t want to miss.
The venue, Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, is a fun, family-friendly destination and Arizona’s first Bavarian-inspired beer garden. Known for its comfort food dining experience, Brother John’s offers a variety of slow-smoked meats, Southern-style sides with a Southwestern twist, fresh salads, and decadent desserts—all thoughtfully and locally sourced.
Through a partnership with the Tucson Jazz Society, Brother John’s hosts phenomenal weekly musical performances by some of Tucson’s finest musicians. Why settle for the radio when you can enjoy live music? Experience “Music Without Boundaries,” featuring smooth jazz, R&B, soul, old-school hits, Latin vibes, and classic American tunes.
Come and get your jazz on! Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, tradition, and community at Southern Arizona’s Kentucky Derby Jazz Party!