All That
JAZZ Valley celebrates with music, fundraising
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By Alex Gallagher
t’s hard for William “Doc” Jones to believe it has been half a decade since he began his efforts to have his state recognize April as Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30 as International Jazz Day. When Jones began his efforts to have the genre recognized, he quickly realized it would be challenging to receive bipartisan support in a time when there seemed to be a growing divide between people of contrasting political opinions. He then realized the perfect way to get members of the state’s House of Representatives and senators to congregate around his cause. “Five years ago, I began to lobby with legislators to create an event called Jazz at Lunch Time where we shut down the streets between Washington and Jefferson,” Jones says. Two years later, Jones rolled out his idea — at the perfect time. “In 2019, there was fight-
ing in the House to get this bill passed,” he says. “But when the music started and the food came out, I saw Republicans and Democrats sit down at the The Nayo Jones same tables, enjoying Experience will the food and enjoying perform in Tempe on Friday, April 8. this music.” The bill unanimous- (Submitted) ly declared April 30 as International Jazz Day sounds of jazz with their residents. in Arizona. “Our state is the first state where I have “I was honored to know been able to get the governor, 10 mayors, that we crossed aisles with the full Senate and the full House behind jazz,” Jones says. “We had us, and I am humbled by the support Republicans, Democrats and we’ve gotten,” Jones says. independents enjoying an There has been support from Gov. hour of music and some good Doug Ducey and Mayors David Ortega food.” of Scottsdale, Corey Woods of Tempe This year, the support of and Jerry Bien-Willner of Paradise Valley Jazz Appreciation Month and to produce events across the Valley International Jazz Day has throughout the month. stretched outside of Down“This is a dream come true for not just town Phoenix as mayors me but for jazz and blues lovers, because from across the Valley jazz is the roots for so many other genres have banded together of music,” Jones says. “For us to be able to to share the swinging have the state recognizing Jazz Appreciation Month and to have all the cities produce some type of event to promote jazz.” Festivities will begin in Tempe on Friday, April 8, when the Nayo Jones Experience from Richard Elliott performs Saturday, April 30. New Orleans brings the sounds (Submitted) of Louisiana to the Tempe Center APRIL 2022 / SCOTTSDALE AIRPARK NEWS /
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