International Jazz Day AZ's mission is to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of communities in Arizona through producing festivals, music education programs, and other cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. We provide free music classes and instruments to kids at Risk. We have made changes to our 501-C3 Article to introduce a new initiative called Jazz Town USA in response to the pandemic's effects on musicians. This unique program aims to provide affordable housing that caters to the distinctive needs of musicians.

April 26th 2025 Scottsdale Jazz Festival

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival has evolved into more than just a series of concerts. It has become a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and the arts that cannot be missed. The festival showcases outstanding musical talent each year and provides a platform for local artists, craftspeople, and businesses to gain visibility and engage with the community. It reflects the city's rich artistic heritage and commitment to supporting the creative spirit.

Looking ahead to 2025, Doc Jones has ambitious plans to expand the festival's scope further and solidify its status as a must-attend event. Plans are already underway to incorporate a "Taste of Chicago" segment, fusing Scottsdale's culinary delights with the flavors of the Windy City. Additionally, the festival will host what promises to be the country's largest Stepper and Salsa dance contest, with a grand prize of $5,000, transforming the event into a multi-disciplinary showcase of music and dance.

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival is more than just a series of concerts—it is a celebration of the vibrant culture and community that make this city so special. I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us in 2025 for an unforgettable experience.

Mario Abney was an absolute sensation at the recent Scottsdale Jazz Festival, and the buzz is that he's poised to become one of the biggest names in jazz by 2025.

Mario's new CD is already selling incredibly well, and his unique blend of traditional and contemporary jazz styles is captivating audiences everywhere. I genuinely believe he's on the cusp of mainstream stardom, and now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve.

Giving students access to instruments and music education

Uniting Arizona around International Jazz Day

Nayo Jones putting on a great show at the Scottsdale Jazz Festival

Carlos Rivas, the renowned salsa band from Arizona, is ready to take your event to the next level.

As the #1 salsa band in the state, Carlos Rivas and his talented musicians have captivated audiences with their electrifying performances. Their infectious rhythms and skilled musicianship allow people to dance all night, creating an unforgettable experience for all attending the Scottsdale Jazz Festival.

Imagine your guests being swept away by the intoxicating beats of salsa as they fill the dance floor, immersed in the vibrant Latin culture. Carlos Rivas can transform any event into a lively, high-energy celebration that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

Founder and Executive Director of Local Jazz Day AZ Foundation Joins Worldwide 'International Jazz Day' Organization as a Partner!

United States Delegate
William "Doc" Jones

International Jazz Day is made possible thanks to the voluntary efforts of organizers at all levels of civil society in more than 190 countries worldwide. Whether small or large, organizations have an important role to play in facilitating the global celebration, lending their resources and accumulated expertise to curate multifaceted programs that make significant impacts on the local community.

Thanks to these efforts, International Jazz Day has become a widely anticipated moment on municipal and regional cultural calendars, promoting capacity building in the relevant cultural sectors and increased awareness of jazz and its role as a vector for peace and intercultural dialogue. The International Jazz Day organization recognizes those institutions who have generously devoted their time and resources to ensuring that International Jazz Day is celebrated in a way that truly reflects its global identity.

Excerpts from a recent interview with 'International Jazz Day':

Tell us a little about your organization’s mission.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to unite the state around a resolution proclaiming April 30 International Jazz Day in the State of Arizona.

Why does your organization celebrate International Jazz Day?
Not only have I been a professional jazz musician for 30 years, I have also been a music educator using jazz as a means to reduce crime in my community, as well as to promote staying in school for young people at risk.

Tell us about a favorite memory from International Jazz Day.
My favorite memory is when the full Arizona House and Senate, as well as the Governor and eight Mayors from around the State all presented us with a proclamation declaring April 30th International Jazz Day, as well as our 2nd “Jazz At Lunch Time” at the State Capitol.

How do you think jazz can improve people’s lives?
It allows those who are listening or playing this form of music the opportunity to be creative.

WHAT WE DO

The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation is an Arizona-based 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the virtues of jazz in education, economic development, and cultural enrichment. We are developing an initiative to build affordable housing for musicians.