Meet William Doc Jones
About William “Doc” Jones &
International Jazz Day AZ Foundation
For more than four decades, William “Doc” Jones has dedicated his life to using music as a bridge between cultures and communities. As the Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, Doc has worked tirelessly to unite Arizona around UNESCO and Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day — an annual celebration recognized worldwide on April 30th.
Under his leadership, the Foundation has helped Arizona become a recognized hub for Jazz Appreciation Month. Doc successfully lobbied for the Arizona House and Senate to pass HCR 2017, officially proclaiming April as Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30th as International Jazz Day in the State of Arizona.
Through events like the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, Jazz Crossing the Border, and the Taste of Chicago After-Festival, Doc has built international partnerships that connect musicians and audiences from Arizona to Havana, New Orleans to Hermosillo, showcasing jazz as a universal language of unity, peace, and education.
Doc’s vision for the 15th Anniversary of International Jazz Day in 2026 is to position Arizona as the first state in the nation to officially recognize April 30th as a statewide holiday, attracting global tourism and solidifying the state’s place on the world jazz map.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS THIS
The 15th Anniversary of International Jazz Day AZ is set to be the most exciting celebration yet! This milestone event will unite four cities across Arizona for a statewide jazz festival, making it a historic occasion for music lovers, tourists, and the local community. By celebrating UNESCO & Herbie Hancock’s global International Jazz Day, this festival honors jazz as a cultural force that brings people together through music.
With unforgettable performances from top-tier jazz musicians, cultural exchanges, and a vibrant atmosphere, this event is your chance to experience the rich heritage of jazz and its role in uniting communities. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration, which highlights Arizona as a premier destination for jazz and cultural tourism!
Live Performances
Musical Excellence
Enjoy live performances from talented artists, both local and international, showcasing the best of jazz music with passion and skill.
<-Click to hear Nayo sing
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
A Proud Partner For The Past Five Years
<-Click to view video
In 2026, the tradition continues on April 4th, as The Westin Kierland Resort once again kicks off Jazz Appreciation Month with an evening of world-class jazz, fine dining, and celebration — marking the official start of the 15th Anniversary of International Jazz Day festivities in Arizona.
New Orleans Spirit Meets Desert Luxury
Scottsdale Jazz Festival Kicks off Weeklong Celebration for 15th Anniversary of International Jazz Day on April 11th 2026
<-Click to view video
The unmistakable energy of New Orleans is coming to the Arizona desert this spring as Scottsdale hosts a weeklong celebration of jazz, culture, and community from April 3–12, 2026.
Contact
Reach Out to Us
For inquiries, reservations, or collaborations, feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you and make your jazz experience with us memorable.