April 2026 has officially come to a close, and as the dust settles on the vibrant streets of Old Town and the sun begins its summer ascent over the Sonoran Desert, one thing is abundantly clear: jazz in Arizona has never been stronger. This year, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) wasn't just a calendar designation; it…

Some artists perform music. Carlos Rivas & Mexsal create movement. We are thrilled to announce that Carlos Rivas & Mexsal will return to the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival for another electrifying performance. Since the festival's inception, Carlos and his powerhouse ensemble have been a cornerstone of our celebration: and for good reason. When this band…

Some artists perform music. Carlos Rivas & Mexsal create movement. We are thrilled to announce that Carlos Rivas & Mexsal will return to the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival for another electrifying performance. Since the festival's inception, Carlos and his powerhouse ensemble have been a cornerstone of our celebration: and for good reason. When this band…

Some artists perform music. Carlos Rivas & Mexsal create movement. We are thrilled to announce that Carlos Rivas & Mexsal will return to the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival for another electrifying performance. Since the festival's inception, Carlos and his powerhouse ensemble have been a cornerstone of our celebration: and for good reason. When this band…

Some artists perform music. Carlos Rivas & Mexsal create movement. We are thrilled to announce that Carlos Rivas & Mexsal will return to the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival for another electrifying performance. Since the festival’s inception, Carlos and his powerhouse ensemble have been a cornerstone of our celebration: and for good reason. When this band…

On April 30, 2026, something pretty special happens. Jazz lovers in Phoenix will celebrate the same music, at the same moment, as fans in Chicago, Paris, Tokyo, and over 190 countries worldwide. This isn't just another jazz festival arizona puts on: it's the 15th Anniversary of UNESCO's International Jazz Day, and for the first time,…

Fifteen years of dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to jazz education and cultural celebration are about to culminate in a defining moment for Arizona's music community. On January 22, 2026, Senate Bill 1255: the Arizona Jazz Day Observance Act: was formally introduced in the Arizona Senate, marking a monumental milestone in our journey to secure…

Fifteen years. That's how long it took to turn a dream into law. On January 22, 2026, Arizona SB 1255, the "Arizona Jazz Day Observance Act", was officially introduced to the state legislature, designating April 30 of each year as Arizona Jazz Day. For Executive Director Dr. William Jones and the entire International Jazz Day…

Fifteen years. That's how long it took to turn a dream into law. On January 22, 2026, Arizona SB 1255, the "Arizona Jazz Day Observance Act", was officially introduced to the state legislature, designating April 30 of each year as Arizona Jazz Day. For Executive Director Dr. William Jones and the entire International Jazz Day…