Tucson Jazz Hero
Arizona
From its first festival in 2015, organized by then vice-president of the Jazz Journalists Association Yvonne Ervin, the Tucson Jazz Festival made an effort to provide public access to music by sponsoring free daylong outdoor concerts on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The festival also provided opportunities for young musicians from the Tucson Jazz Institute to play with professional nationally recognized artists.
However, when 30-year public school music teacher Khris Dodge became the TJF’s Executive Director in 2020 following Yvonne’s untimely demise, access to local arts and music education was increased tenfold and became a cornerstone of the festival. Through Khris’ efforts, educational outreach expanded to include a wide array of our community’s students of all ages, before, during and after the festival dates. From first-hand interactions with artists, performances designed specifically for younger students, specially-priced tickets for students and an arts integration curriculum, Khris’ goals for education here have been far-reaching. Through all these efforts, TJF has communicated the essence and cultural significance of jazz. And of course, cultivating a new audience of active listeners is a wonderful by-product of opening minds through music. Here are a few examples of the increased educational opportunities and access to jazz that Khris has implemented.
During the 2025 Festival, masterclasses and workshops were held by the New Jazz Underground at Catalina Foothills High School. Stephane Wrembel and Arcoiris Sandoval did the same at Tucson High. The Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Big Band performed at the Fox Theatre with Gunhild Carling and Caity Gyorgy. Khris arranged a private performance and cookout by Endea Owens & the Cookout at Utterback Middle School for students and their families. He also instituted an annual free matinee program where festival musicians perform for hundreds of public school students.
More than providing masterclasses and instruction for young musicians, Khris also arranged jazz history and cultural seminars for active adult learners such as at the UA Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Throughout the year Khris conducted jazz talks at Learning Curve (all ages), worked with a local student at Ballet Tucson, and prepped students who would later perform with vocalist Dominique Eade.
Under his guidance, the TJF participated with the University of Arizona in implementing an intern program individualized for one student focused on the business side of bookings, running a festival and promotion, and for another in gaining hands-on experience on the inner workings of a non-profit. Both students are in the Music Education program at the U of A.
Khris Dodge’s selection as a 2025 Jazz Hero is well deserved. Thank you for the opportunity to endorse him.
— Elliot Glicksman
Tucson Jazz Festival co-founder and past President
