Live local music, interactive arts activities, and thrilling fire performers – all that and more is coming to Tempe Sports Complex, 8401 S. Hardy Dr., on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tempe Jam celebrates the heart and soul of the local creative scene. The free, all-ages event combines live music, dance performers, arts activities, and more with a goal of connecting the greater community together through art and music.
The third annual event will feature three hours of nonstop local sounds from three Valley-based bands.
Pack your dancing shoes for when Bad Cactus Brass Band kicks off the evening with funk, soul, and jazz. Pijama Piyama will take the stage next, uniting electronic, cumbia rhythms, jazz, and psych rock in an electric performance that is sure to bring the audience to its feet. Headlining the night will be rap-group-turned-band Prime Society, who will top off the evening with its neo-soul sound.
The 2023 Tempe Jam highlights three of the 44 bands selected for the 2023-25 Tempe Playlist Program. This program supports local musicians by sharing their work with the community, booking them for city events and providing professional promotional photos. Listen to the playlist at tempe.gov/tempeplaylist.
“Music brings us together, and it’s even more gratifying to see our neighbors and friends come out to support rising local talent,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods says. “We invite everyone to join us and discover some amazing local musicians, enjoy delicious food, and get creative with arts activities at Tempe Jam.”
Every year, this event brings together hundreds of people from Tempe, Chandler, and the surrounding areas.
In addition to live music, an array of food and non-alcoholic drink options will be offered from local food trucks Eis Café, Fantasy Funnel Cake, and Wok This Way. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers will also be available for purchase at drink tents hosted by Tempe Diablos.
Fire performers from Walter Productions will perform between band sets, and Sacred G’s Dancers in LED suits will roam the complex grounds, providing a visual spectacle for eventgoers.
Plus, stop by the arts activities booths to screen print a free event t-shirt designed by local artist Kelsey Phillips. Shirts are available in child and adult sizes while supplies last.
Free parking is available in lots surrounding the complex, or bike over and enjoy free bike parking hosted by the Tempe Bicycle Action Group. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for enjoying the sights and sounds of the event.
Tempe Jam is presented by the city of Tempe’s Community Arts team, which aims to strengthen relationships and build connections within the arts, community, and city.
In addition to the Tempe Jam and Tempe Playlist program, Tempe Community Arts offers classes, residencies, arts grants, and other special events.
Find more information by visiting tempe.gov/tempejam or following Tempe Community Arts on Facebook and Instagram @tempecityarts.
