Enjoy Jazz in the Garden under the stars

What is there to do on Friday after work? Head over to the Desert Botanical Garden for Jazz in the Garden. Enjoy music, fine food and wine, and if you have time check out the gardens.

The spring concert series are held from March through June. The concert time is 7-9pm on Fridays in March and May, then 7:30-9:30 in June. This will give you plenty of time to find a parking spot, stake your seats, and get something to eat.

We got there in time to catch this cactus in bloom:

Cactus flowers at the Desert Botanica Garden

Wander up the hill to the Ullman Terrace for the concert. Or just follow your nose and when you get close the smells of food and sautéed garlic in the air will get more pungent the closer you are to the Patio Cafe. Hungry?

Food is served by a company called Fabulous Food-Fine Catering. You can get tasty fresh food ordered as you like it. Order off the menu ahead of time on their website. They will have what you want freshly prepared for you.

Best bet is the Fabulousfood special. It is priced right and a chef will cook it fresh for you.

We have had ribs with sweet potato fries and lots of garlic. Or steak salad with lots of garlic. Last time was yummy fish tacos, and no garlic.

Then take it to your table or chair.

Get there early if you want to stake out a table, although it feels like a picnic when you eat off your lap. Tables are much better if you order a bottle of wine with your dinner.

This is for adults only, no children are allowed because wine is served.

Other than that there is a nice mix of all ages.

Is it crowded?

When you think of a “concert,” do you mentally picture an insane mob scene or a standing room only type venue?

Jazz in the Garden is different.

Seats are limited and many shows are sold out.

This will help you enjoy the serenity of these concerts. So call ahead for reservations. Phone (480) 481-8188.

You can stretch out your legs because there is so much room. Slouch a little back in you chair and then look up at the sky and you might see the moon and a shooting star. Ahhh the good life! The warm air feels energizing at night.

Ullman Terrace seating for Jazz Concert

We enjoyed a group called Shri Blues. They are an Arizona based group that travels all around the world. So it was special that they were here at the Desert Botanical Garden.

The concerts in AZ are entertaining and you really can’t beat the location. What kind of jazz will you hear? What's the quality? These jazz groups often perform in upscale night clubs so you get the idea of the kind of music you can hear.

Here's a picture of a guitar jazz group at night on the Ullman Terrace stage:

Ullman Stage night scene

Saguaro Cactus at night

Then when the concert is over the best part is the walk out with the beautiful lights on the desert cacti. Feel the cool night air. And enjoy the scenery is that is unique to Arizona.