The Scottsdale Jazz Festival is happening April 4, noon to 6 p.m. just in time to kick off Arizona Jazz Appreciation Month. Presented by the City of Scottsdale and Molina Fine Jewelers, the free outdoor festival will be headlined by world-renowned Latin Jazz artist Pancho Sanchez and will join events around the world throughout April as part of UNESCO’S annual International Jazz Day celebration.
Taking place at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Fountain Stage, the day will feature hours of music, blending the best of salsa, jazz, soul and Latin American grooves. Performers include New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, jazz vocalist Nayo Jones, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Scottsdale Community College Jazz Band and more special guests.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and to arrive early for the best lawn seats. Guests making donations of $125 or more can enjoy reserved seats that include gift bags. Proceeds benefit the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation.
The event announcement comes after exciting news that Doc Jones, Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, has successfully passed a bill declaring April as Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30 as the official International Jazz Day AZ. Jones’ efforts have been to unite the State of Arizona to expand the learning and appreciation of Jazz. As a result, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa have joined the effort.
Additionally, Scottsdale has announced its first Honorary Chair Mr. Barry Goldwater Jr. and Alfredo J. Molina of Molina’s Fine Jewelers as Chairman of the Board of the Scottsdale Jazz Festival.
For more information, visit jazzdayaz.com.
