The New Orleans Themed Event Brought Top National Artists Together to Celebrate International Jazz Day at Scottsdale Civic Center’s East Bowl
Taking center stage for the ultimate combination of cool jazz and blues, The Molina Fine Jewelers Scottsdale Jazz, Blues & Brews Festival Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale proved a record-breaking music festival when it hit Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, April 27th.
The one-day New Orleans themed event took place in the Scottsdale Civic Center’s brand-new East Bowl, the city’s largest amphitheater in a beautiful setting. An estimated 2,700 people attended the festivities, a one-day for the Scottsdale Jazz Fest.
Also exceeding prior records were the one-day food and beverage sales, which rose substantially from previous years. The cuisine also followed a southern experience showcasing the flavors of New Orleans.
The Molina Fine Jewelers Scottsdale Jazz Festival Blues & Brews Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale was part of International Jazz Day which has been recognized as a UNESCO Global event. It was founded by noted local jazz musician Doc Jones, a professional musician, educator, and recording artist for more than 40 years.
To up the ante for the 2024 event – The Scottsdale Jazz Fest partnered with the organizers and owners of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, America’s most attended polo event, to add an extra level of polo style luxury and excitement to the jazz event, as well as help introduce new elements to the event just as it has to for years with the Scottsdale Polo Party. The event’s marketing and cross-ticket promotion reached a broader audience to attract more ticket purchasers and bring more awareness the festival.
“I’ve been organizing the Scottsdale Jazz Fest for every year and there is no doubt we knocked it out of the
park,” said Scottsdale Jazz Fest Founder and Organizer Doc Jones. “We owe a lot of gratitude to not only those who bought tickets and showed up to support us and honor International Jazz Day but also our great singers and the incredible performances of the artists who took to the stage to give one heck of a performance on Saturday night. Any event can improve itself and ours is no different but what a day and night it was.”
Headlining the festivities was Grammy award-winning contemporary Jazz/R&B superstar Norman Brown, who joined other artists including internationally known New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, renowned vocalist Nayo Jones, Carlos Rivas & Mexsal, Arizona-based jazz great Neaman Lyles, Kiara Jayne, Kings of Soul, and more.
The world’s foremost jazz singer George Benson attended as a guest to enjoy some of the evening’s performances, even introducing Brown.
One of the standout moments was the performance by the great New Orleans-born saxophone player, Donald Harrison.
Harrison’s set was not just a showcase of his exceptional musical talent, but a captivating history lesson on the evolution of Jazz. His mastery of the different styles, from traditional New Orleans Jazz to modern innovations, was simply mesmerizing. The audience was completely captivated and transported through the rich tapestry of jazz history.
“I believe Harrison’s performance was one of the highlights of the festival, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation and understanding of this uniquely American art form. His ability to seamlessly blend the past and present was truly awe-inspiring. If you were unable to attend this year’s Scottsdale Jazz Festival, I strongly encourage you to make plans to be there next time. Experiences like Harrison’s are what make this event so special and truly unforgettable,” said Jones
Proceeds from the festival benefitted the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, which funds music
programs for at-risk youth such as Next Student Academy for the Arts, Molina’s School of Jazz, and the Doc Jones’ summer music program.
In addition to a captivating array of sounds and sights, new this year was the Brew Garden Beer Tasting which featured a selection of craft beers in a signature beer garden. A beer cicerone was on hand to guide and answer any questions.
Tickets for the 2025 Scottsdale Jazz Fest will go on sale January 2nd. Visit www.ScottsdaleJazzFest.org for more details.