For more than fifteen years, Dr. William “Doc” Jones, Founder of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation and the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, has worked to unite Arizona through the universal language of jazz.

What began as a local celebration of UNESCO and Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day has grown into a statewide movement that brings together communities, educators, artists, business leaders, tourism partners, and elected officials to celebrate the power of music to inspire, educate, and connect people.

Today, that vision is expanding.

The Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival Tour is a new initiative currently in development that will extend the celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month beyond Scottsdale into Northern Arizona. The long-term vision includes partnerships with communities such as Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff, creating a regional celebration that showcases Arizona’s vibrant arts and cultural heritage.

More than a concert series, the Northern Arizona Jazz Tour is designed to promote:

• Live Music
• Arts & Culture
• Music Education
• Cultural Exchange
• Tourism
• Economic Development
• Community Engagement

By working with local governments, tourism organizations, arts and cultural institutions, schools, and community leaders, the Foundation hopes to create unique experiences that reflect the character of each community while celebrating America’s original art form.

As planning continues, Dr. Jones is meeting with mayors, tourism officials, arts organizations, and community partners throughout Northern Arizona to explore collaborative opportunities and build a sustainable vision for the future.

The goal is simple:

To unite Arizona—one community at a time—through the power of jazz.

The movement that began fifteen years ago is entering its next chapter, and Northern Arizona is an important part of that jou