After a two-month long hiatus at the start of this year, Jazz Tuesdayz is now back in full effect for the year of 2025.

On Feb. 25, local jazz quartet the Pfeifer Four filled Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company with the sounds of jazz. This first show was a particularly special one, being the first anniversary of Jazz Tuesdayz almost to the exact date.

“It [the idea] actually started almost 10 years ago as just a conversation with friends that never really grew legs until 2024,” said Jazz Tuesdayz founder Johnny Quiroz. “Little did we know that we found a community that needed us as much as we needed them.”

The Pfeifer Four’s first set of the evening served as a great introduction, with the first song feeling like an introduction to each band member’s talent. The second song picked up the pace, giving the audience a bouncy swing to bob their heads to.

What stood out about the four was how dialed in their tone was.

Bassist Lindsey Fernandez gave thumpy bass lines that felt like they were humming along with each song. Adding to the rhythm section and backing the band was drummer Joey Delgado, who kept things interesting with a variety of sounds and tempos. Stephon Spiegel showcased a guitar tone so clean and chimey that it nearly sounded like a keyboard at times. Front man and saxophonist Elric Pfeifer brought a wicked tone to the night, knowing when to keep it smooth and when to honk the notes out.

With each song leading up to the second set, the Four amped the energy. Solos ripped and fingers flew.

“I’ve been here multiple times, and they’re one of the best shows I’ve seen,” said Fresno State alum and Downtown Fresno marketing team member Gloria Valdovinos. “They’re just very into it, and I really like that they always have this space for people that want to join in.”

As Valdovinos mentioned, a highlight moment of the night came during a cover of classic jazz tune “Mr. Clean” by Freddie Hubbard, when audience members were invited to come on stage and play along if they brought their instruments. Sure enough, the Four were joined by an additional saxophone and trumpet.

Halfway through the second set the band was firing on all cylinders, passing each other solos and yelping with excitement after each one. Shortly after, however, tragedy struck.

Spiegel’s guitar suffered a malfunction that made it unplayable, and after a few brief minutes of the band and audience members fiddling with it, things were looking grim. But jazz is nothing without improvisation, so improvise they did.

The four powered through the rest of their set without a guitar, but to make up for it Spiegel serenaded the crowd with smooth jazz vocals reminiscent of Sinatra. For the final song of the night, Spiegel ended with a freestyle verse that looked back on the night and thanked the audience for their attendance.

Though an unforgettable start to another year of Jazz Tuesdayz, things are only beginning according to Quiroz. He noted that sometime in March supporters will be able to buy various merchandise, including stickers, t-shirts and tote bags.

Thanks to the support of the community over the last year, Jazz Tuesdayz have been able to switch to a free-entry business model, with only reserved seating costing around $8. Though given how packed this first night was, it may be a wise investment in the future.

“I do see some familiar faces, but mainly a lot of new people,” said long-time Jazz Tuesdayz attendee Matthew Godina. “It’s jam-packed every night, so it’s best to just reserve a spot because you never know who’s gonna be here.”

Jazz Tuesdayz has come to be known as a cultural staple of Fresno’s nightlife, and those who didn’t get to go last year now have no excuses to not give it a try.

“Just show up, it’s really awesome,” Valdovinos said. “Support local; support a local business, support a local band.”

More information regarding future dates and shows can be found on the Jazz Tuesdayz instagram account.