Celebrated annually on April 30, International Jazz Day is known for bringing together communities from all over the world to celebrate Jazz and learn about its history. Throughout the years, Jazz has promoted peace, diversity, and freedom of expression, thus reinforcing the role of today’s youth as active agents of social change.
The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, founded in 2013, is an Arizona-based non-profit organization led by William ‘Doc’ Jones, a professional Jazz musician and music educator.
Jones has been working closely with Alfredo J. Molina, a philanthropist and owner of Molina’s Fine Jewelers, and Arizona state legislators to educate Arizonans and visitors on Jazz music’s extraordinary heritage and history.
Starting from Cityscape in downtown Phoenix on April 30, 2013, the International Jazz Day AZ festival has expanded to Scottsdale, Mesa, and an annual “Jazz at Lunch” on the lawn at the Arizona State Capitol. The biggest testament to the festival’s growing popularity is three mayors from Scottsdale, Tempe, and Paradise Valley joining hands for the upcoming celebration to promote tourism in the state.
“Music has the power to unite people across borders, and Jazz has been doing that for years,” says William ‘Doc’ Jones. “The Scottsdale Jazz festival is a tribute to the 11th Annual International Jazz Day, and this year, the event is supported through a tourism recovery grant from the “Visit Arizona Initiative.” On April 30th at the Scottsdale Center For The Arts, we have a spectacular lineup of Richard Elliot, Rick Braun & Nayo Jones, Jaleo Afro Cuban ensemble, along with The Molina’s 32nd Jazz Band, all-star youth jazz orchestra, and World-renowned trumpeter Jesse McGuire. The proceeds from the festival sponsor music programs for At Risk youth in organizations such as Next Student Academy for the Arts, Molina’s School of Jazz, and the Doc’s summer music program,” Jones added.
“Our mission is to produce concerts and events that bring attention to tourism in the state of Arizona and bring attention to the importance of arts in education. Jazz has the power to transform lives intellectually, emotionally, and socially. We truly believe that Jazz is a language that helps us listen, express, and create. We partner with Charter schools and community organizations in Arizona and develop jazz programs in collaboration with them. Every child has the right to quality music education, and we want to make it a reality,” Jones and Molina said in a joint statement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of the Foundation was expanded to build affordable housing for creative artists.
Sponsors: City of Scottsdale, Arizona Office of Tourism, Cresent Crown Distributing, Constellation Brands, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Molina Fine Jewelers, International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Commission on the Arts
For more information, please visit www.scottsdalejazzfest.com
Media ContactCompany Name: International Jazz Day AZ FoundationContact Person: Dr. William “Doc” JonesEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: www.jazzdayaz.com
