By 504 Jazz Magazine Staff

For more than fifteen years, Dr. William “Doc” Jones has worked to unite Arizona through the universal language of jazz. From the early International Jazz Day celebrations to the Scottsdale Jazz Festival’s growth, his mission has remained the same: to bring world-class jazz, education, and culture to communities across Arizona.

Now, that vision is expanding northward.

Building on the success of the Yrēfy Scottsdale Jazz Festival, Doc Jones is developing the Northern Arizona Jazz Tour, with Sedona envisioned as one of its signature destinations for Jazz Appreciation Month and UNESCO International Jazz Day.

The goal is not merely to produce another music festival.

It aims to create an immersive cultural experience where live music, Native American art, education, tourism, and community converge against the breathtaking backdrop of Sedona’s red rocks.

Just as Scottsdale welcomed the authentic spirit of New Orleans jazz, the vision for Sedona is to introduce audiences to the music, culture, and traditions that have made New Orleans the birthplace of jazz, while also celebrating Sedona’s unique artistic identity.

To help bring that vision to life, Doc Jones plans to reunite many of the New Orleans artists who have become integral to the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, creating an unforgettable experience that blends the soul of New Orleans with the beauty and culture of Northern Arizona.

The vision also includes partnerships with local artists, Tribal communities, educators, tourism leaders, and cultural organizations to ensure the event reflects Sedona’s spirit and inspires future generations through the arts.

The movement that began in Arizona fifteen years ago is entering an exciting new chapter.

From Scottsdale to Sedona…

From tradition to innovation…

The journey continues, bringing New Orleans’ flavor to one of America’s most inspiring cultural destinations.

Doc Jones