Celebrate Jazz Day in Arizona
Support the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation's petition to recognize April 30th as International Jazz Day, and create Affordable Housing specifically for creative artists
Arizona is home to thousands of creative artists whose work shapes the state’s cultural identity and drives local economies;
The creative sector continues to face deepening challenges, including affordable housing shortages, mental health crises, and limited access to long-term support structures;
The global recognition of April 30 as International Jazz Day provides a high-visibility opportunity to mobilize resources and attention toward cultural development;
A non-office holiday would allow schools, city departments, and private sector partners to engage in programming that reflects the values of equity, inclusion, and artistic freedom;
Arizona’s creative economy is a vital engine for tourism, education, and innovation, and deserves year-round recognition, beginning with an annual day of celebration and reflection.
Community coming together to build Jazz Town USA
Join the Movement for International Jazz Day and Affordable Housing for Creative Artists
IJD Az Foundation has joined forces with Winnie Tang Developer to make the Jazz Town USA dream come true
Jazztown USA Concert Series: Supporting Affordable Housing for Creative Artists
The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the arts and music world, driving many jazz musicians and creative artists into economic hardship. Countless artists faced the devastating loss of their homes and livelihoods. In response to this crisis, the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Jazztown USA Concert Series — an innovative initiative dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions for artists.
This visionary project is made possible through a dynamic collaboration with esteemed partners: Winnie Tang, a respected real estate developer, General Contractor, and entrepreneur; Lalo Gonzalez, owner of Señor Sushi and the Stratus Event Center; and Alfredo Molina, renowned owner of Molina Fine Jewelers. Together, we aim to provide not only affordable, sustainable living spaces for artists but also a vibrant community where creativity can thrive.
Through the power of music and community engagement, the Jazztown USA Concert Series will raise awareness and critical funding to support this vital mission — ensuring that the heartbeat of jazz and the arts continues to inspire future generations.
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Petition Signatures
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Supportive Organizations
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Jazz Events Held
Why Jazz Matters
Explore the impacts and contributions of jazz to our society. Join our highlights to learn more about how you can support this initiative.
Make a donation and be part of the change!
UNESCO Declare April 30th International Jazz Day world wide
International Jazz Day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
Doc Jones Executive Director of International Jazz day Az Foundation has been a partner with UNESCO & Herbie Hancock for 14 years, with a mission to unite the State of AZ around International Jazz Day
Economic Contribution New Orleans Jazz Festival Brings in 350 Million a year. The Scottsdale Jazz Festival one day will do the same
In the early days, the festival wasn’t the world-famous event that it is today – one that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Orleans and pumps $350 million a year into the local economy. It is often said that at the first Jazz Fest there were more performers onstage than people in the audience. But the founders believed that Jazz Fest would one day grow into a major success. Everyone involved wanted to make sure that the festival’s proceeds would be redistributed into the local community.
Educational Outreach
Jazz programs in schools do more than teach music—they inspire creativity, discipline, and self-expression in young artists. For over 40 years, Doc Jones has dedicated his musical talent to uplifting at-risk youth, using jazz as a powerful tool for education and transformation.
Doc’s guiding motto says it all:
“With Music on Their Mind, There’s No Time for Crime.”
Through workshops, performances, and mentorship, he continues to open doors for the next generation, proving that jazz is not only an art form—it’s a path to a better future.
Jazz Town USA will be a place that musicians will be happy to call home
Jazz Town USA is a key component of the Scottsdale Jazz Movement — a public-private initiative led by the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, in partnership with Yrefy, the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, and a growing coalition of civic, business, and cultural leaders committed to making Arizona a global hub for Jazz culture and tourism.
Core Partners:
International Jazz Day AZ Foundation,
Molli Construction, Yrefy — Strategic Sponsor & Financial Partner,Scottsdale Jazz Festival,City & State Partners
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