Doc Jones Producer, Karen Cahn Festival manager, Alfredo J. Molina Chairman
The Campaign Officially Begins to bring the “Flavor of New Orleans” to the 2021 Scottsdale Jazz Festival -Thanks to International Jazz Day AZ Foundation & Molina's Fine Jewelers
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation (IJDAZ) is excited to announce that Crescent Crown Distributing (Arizona), Young’s Market /Republic National Distributing Company, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, Mountain Shadow Resort Scottsdale, and Hotel Valley Ho are partnering with the Foundation for the 2021 Scottsdale Jazz Festival. They will be joining forces with Molina Fine Jewelers (Chairman of the Festival) to bring the “Flavor of New Orleans” to the Scottsdale Jazz Festival April 30th at the Hotel Valley Ho.
While Scottsdale Arizona is quite a distance from the city of Jazz New Orleans, it has been one of the more active communities in support, celebration and preservation of this historical treasure since 2012 thanks to the efforts of William “Doc” Jones, founder of International Jazz Day AZ Foundation and Alfredo Molina Scottsdale Jazz Festival Chairman.
“Doc” Jones, has solicited a few of his musician friends and supporters in New Orleans like Kermit Ruffins, Stephanie Jordan, Mario Abney, Donald Harrison, and Nayo Jones, to help bring the sounds and “Flavor of New Orleans Jazz” to Scottsdale in 2021. Performances will include all forms of jazz from smooth, Latin, vocals, and funk. The Scottsdale Festival will officially declare the two cities through these beloved musical traditions, experiences and culture as “Jazz Sister Cities”. A list of entertainers and details will be announced in January.
Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as "JAM") was created in 2001 by the Smithsonian to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. Later in November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30th as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people around the world. International Jazz Day is chaired by the UNESCO Director General and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
Doc Jones started International Jazz Day AZ (IJDAZ) nine years ago in Phoenix. Since then, IJDAZ has produced Jazz Festivals in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Puerto Penasco, and Alamos Sonora Mexico. Ultimately, it is our goal to produce the largest Jazz Day Festival in the Southwest by 2025.
Due to the pandemic, IJDAZF has amended the foundation’s articles of incorporation to include building affordable housing for Jazz & Blues musicians. Moving forward, revenues from the Jazz Festivals will not only fund educational programs but also raise funds to build JazzTown USA, a community for creative artists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7bSy5nEt9o
Jones was named the Ambassador of "Jazz Day AZ Movement" in January 2013, and since then the Foundation has increased the awareness of jazz through community outreach, music education programs in schools, new artist performances and more.
If you would like to support their efforts and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; help raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue through mutual understanding; please visit www.jazzdayaz.com to donate or volunteer.
