Pita Jungle Jazz Jam (Chandler)

Since April 2000, the Pita Jungle Jazz Jam has held the distinction of being the Valley's longest-running jam session—an astonishing 25-year tradition (as of 2025) that's welcomed everyone from nervous high school students to Grammy-winning professionals. This weekly Thursday night gathering combines excellent jazz with healthy Mediterranean dining in a unique waterfront setting.

The Vibe: The Chandler Pita Jungle sits on the banks of Andersen Springs, creating an Arizona riviera atmosphere perfect for evening music. The restaurant specializes in healthy, locally-sourced Mediterranean cuisine—80% vegetarian or vegan options—making it a favorite for health-conscious diners who also appreciate great jazz.

The environment is welcoming and multigenerational. Families enjoy dinner while musicians set up. College jazz students arrive to write reports on what they hear (local music teachers regularly assign the jam as coursework). Seasoned players come to stretch out. The vibe is simultaneously educational and celebratory—this is serious jazz played in an unpretentious setting.

Performances: The jam runs Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 PM with a rotating house band featuring some of the Valley's finest jazz musicians on piano, bass, and drums. Musicians and vocalists are welcome to sit in on a first-come, first-served basis.

For 20 years, guitarist Pete Gitlin led the session before his passing in 2021. His legacy continues with hosts like Dave Ihlenfeld (piano), Cleve Huff (drums), and various guest leaders who maintain the inclusive, educational spirit Pete established. The house band knows the standards and creates supportive space for players at all levels.

The jam has become legendary in Phoenix jazz circles—a place where teenagers make their first public jazz performances and where established professionals stop by between gigs. The restaurant's commitment to live music for 25+ years demonstrates rare dedication to arts programming.

All ages are welcome, and there's no cover charge. The expectation is that attendees will enjoy Pita Jungle's excellent food and drinks, making this a dinner-and-jazz experience rather than a pure performance venue.