By William “Doc” Jones

Founder, International Jazz Day AZ Foundation

Executive Producer, Scottsdale Jazz Festival

For over four decades, I’ve believed in the power of jazz — not just as a form of

music, but as a force for unity, healing, and connection. It’s taken me from the

streets of Chicago to the stages of Paris, New Orleans, and Phoenix. But this

year, my birthday gave me a reason to take a new step: a journey to Cuba.

Cuba has always lived in the soul of jazz. The rhythms, the people, the culture

— they’ve influenced artists around the globe. So when the opportunity came

to visit, I knew I couldn’t go as just a tourist. I had to go as an ambassador of

the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, with a mission to build bridges between Cuba and

Arizona through the universal language we all love — jazz.

This magazine documents that journey — the people I connected with, the

history I immersed myself in, and the dream I carry: to one day bring Cuban

musicians to Scottsdale as part of our global celebration of UNESCO & Herbie

Hancock’s

International Jazz Day.

My hope is that this issue doesn’t just share my story — but inspires you to

see jazz not just as music, but as a movement. One note, one conversation, one

friendship at a time.

With gratitude and purpose,

– Doc Jones Founder of the

Scottsdale Jazz Festival & International Jazz Day AZ Foundation