Jazz Tuezdayz: September Special Edition
CONCERTSINTERVIEWS
Alexa Barraza
9/26/20254 min read
There are multiple avenues I could choose from if someone were to ask me what to do at night in Fresno. My go-to answer would be to stop by Goldstein’s for some good drinks and live music, ending the night with a huge, greasy slice of pizza from Richie’s a few blocks away. If you find yourself up north, you could find more music at Barrelhouse in Riverpark and peruse the shops. If you’re lucky, you can find the Fresno Astronomers Club and see the stars through the telescopes they bring out.
Jazz Tuezdayz is another answer I love to share. Every week, a jazz musician or group performs at various Downtown Fresno venues. The event hops around from The Layover or The Lookout Room at Tioga Sequoia, but if it’s the second Tuesday of the month, Jazz Tuezdayz fills the whole block at Warnor’s Corner with jazz music.
On the night of September 16, 2025, multiple jazz performances filled the block around Warnor’s, on the crossroads Fulton and Tuolumne. This night served as the 5th Special Edition event, which celebrated the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“[Jazz Tuezdayz] was an idea I had about 10 years ago, but it wasn’t in a position to put legs on it yet,” explained Johnny Quiroz, creator of Jazz Tuezdayz. “Then an opportunity happened when I met Trevor Kubose… I found out he was a jazz musician, I told him about this idea, and then boom, it took off from there.”
Walking down Fulton Street reminded me of a mini music festival. BB’s Gelateria, the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, Frank’s Place, Maarte, The Gilded Lady Tattoo, Sacred Heart, and the space outside of Warnor’s Theatre all served as different venues for local musicians and poets to perform.
Other forms of art were also given a stage, such as poetry. Attendees were spilling out of Gilded Lady Tattoo, trying to catch a glimpse of local poets Norla Henderson and Leslie Kay Quintana. They recited original pieces in front of a silenced crowd, all anticipating hearing the next verse.
Walking down Tuolumne, you’d find a busy sidewalk. Vintage clothing racks from Summoned Clothing, a food vendor, and even a DJ. Local performer Tasteholder provided Latin beats right underneath Warnor’s marquee, which started a mini dance line from attendees.
The Mode Quartet performs at Frank's Place for the September specal edition of Jazz Tuezdayz. (Wyatt Bible/ Setlist)
Jazz Tuezdayz creator, Johnny Quiroz, speaks with Setlist host, Alexa Barraza on Sept. 16, 2025. (Wyatt Bible/ Setlist)
Turning onto Fulton, I bumped into my friend Joanna and her friend Bri. It was her second time attending Jazz Tuezdayz, and it was Bri’s first time.
“I really like how [this event] gives an excuse for the community to come together, so it creates that third place. I’m here at Maarte a lot, so it’s really nice to come here at night… I feel like it makes me just connect with others of the same interests,” Joanna said.
I asked Bri what she thought of tonight.
“Yeah, I was sitting around and going ‘Man, this is so cool.’ It’s a Tuesday night and everyone is coming out to just sit and enjoy the music together, so it was cool to see the community interacting with each other,” she shared.
I asked her if she would come back to the next Jazz Tuezdayz event.
“Absolutely. I was telling Joanna that I would be 100% down to come back and invite more people.”
The bassist of the Trading Fours Quintet plays a solo at Maarte for Jazz Tuezdayz September Special Edition. (Wyatt Bible/ Setlist)
Further down Fulton Street, I heard more Latin, jazzy beats coming from inside a little nook. The Moreno’s are a Central Valley-based family band that was performing right outside of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation. Accompanying them were several food vendors and a lively crowd cheering them on. The Mexican flag served as their backdrop with matching colored lighting.
The night offered a diverse mix of sounds, including Latin music, jazz, funk, and a wide range of other genres that brought different people together.
I asked jazz musician and Jazz Tuezdayz coordinator Trevor Kubose how he and Johnny manage to grasp so many jazz and jazz adjacent groups under one roof.
“It’s kind of hard to describe what jazz is if you’re a jazz musician, especially in the modern world where there are so many different influences,” Kubose shared. “We try to look for bands that are bringing something new to the table. We’re very cautious on what music they’re playing, which is authentically cultural, if they’re doing this music justice, but also ‘What are they bringing to the table?’”
From what started in one venue, it has now grown to take up a whole block in Downtown Fresno. The phrase “It takes a village” is the best way to describe this Special Edition event. Tonight not only brought out dozens of attendees, but it also brought local businesses, musicians, foodies, and music lovers together along this block.
“At the end of the day, it’s about human connection. When the audience comes and listens to us, they’re a part of the performance just as much as [we are]. Our energy goes into them; it’s a very good example of just human nature and the human experience,” Kubose shared.
To check out future Jazz Tuezdayz events, visit their social media page here: https://www.instagram.com/jazztuezdayz/
Event attendees dance to music by [Tasteholder] under the Warnor's Theatre marquee. (Wyatt Bible/ Setlist)
