NE Valley Times

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival is set to commence its annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month on April 24 with an opening night event at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Sponsored by the City of Scottsdale, the evening will feature an educational session on Russell “Big Chief” Moore, followed by a performance from Doc Jones and Friends, and a reception in the Christine and Ted Mollring Sculpture Garden.

The session will highlight Moore's legacy as a member of the Pima tribe who made significant contributions to jazz. He grew up on Gila River Indian community lands before moving to Chicago and Los Angeles, where he honed his skills as a trombonist. Throughout his career, Moore collaborated with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Alberta Hunter, Pee Wee Russell, and was part of Louis Armstrong's band.

Todd Bankofier, CEO of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, expressed anticipation for the event stating, “We’re looking forward to being a part of this special evening for the Scottsdale Jazz Festival and educating music lovers about Moore’s influence of Native American contributions to jazz.”

Following the educational session, attendees will enjoy a concert led by William Doc Jones, Founder of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation. Jones remarked that "Jazz isn’t just music; it's a cultural expression, a way of storytelling, and a celebration of diversity."

Tickets for the event are priced at $10 per person or $8 for members of Western Spirit. Further details can be found at www.westernspirit.org.

Additionally, festival-goers are invited to attend the grand finale on April 26 at the Scottsdale Civic Center. This event promises performances from renowned artists like Rick Braun and Richard Elliot amidst scenic surroundings. It aims to showcase jazz's diverse styles and emotional depth.

William Doc Jones emphasized community engagement saying, "We’re excited to unite the community and honour the timeless impact of jazz with these remarkable events."

For more information about the festival or upcoming exhibits at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, visit their respective websites or social media pages.