Performing Music from Cartoons

Audiences will be transported into the whimsical world of animation and live jazz music, with a touch of zany antics, when The Queen’s Cartoonists (TQC) make their highly anticipated debut at the Webb Center theatre on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Known for their masterful performances of vintage cartoon soundtracks, this one-of-a-kind ensemble offers an exhilarating experience that has captivated audiences of all ages.

The six members of TQC originally hail from four continents, but all now reside in Queens, New York – hence the band’s name. Pulling from over 100 years of animation from around the world, TQC’s concerts are perfectly synchronized to the films projected on stage. While the cartoons dazzle the audience, the band re-creates original soundtracks note-for-note, or writes their own fresh compositions to modern pieces; bringing together two uniquely American art forms: jazz and animation.

The band matches the energy of the cartoons bringing to life the delightful soundscapes of classics like “Looney Tunes,” “Yogi Bear,” and “The Pink Panther” with music by composers such as Duke Ellington, Henry Mancini, Danny Elfman, and even Mozart. Tying everything together is the TQC brand of comedy – anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers, stream-of-consciousness humor, and elements of a musical circus.

Recently Hassayampa Elementary School’s Media Club had the opportunity to interview TQC’s pianist Joel Pierson and clarinetist Mark Phillips. Aries, a fifth grade student asked, “Have you ever forgotten the music? What did you do?” To which Joel replied, “We memorize the music before we get on stage, but there are moments when you go blank and then you have to somehow finish playing. If I forget what’s happening, I’ll listen to everybody else and then my memory will kick back in.” The students were thrilled to meet some of the band members in advance of the show and to be invited on a backstage tour of the Webb Center when they arrive.

Celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2025, every TQC performance is a nostalgic journey that pays homage to early animators and composers and shares their timeless creations with new generations. Tickets for the Friday, Feb. 28 concert start at $23 for adults and $5 for youth 18 & under.

Tickets are on sale now at the Webb Center Box Office 928.684.6624 or by visiting webbcenter.org/.