The Alamos Jazz Festival, founded seven years ago by Max Rumbaugh, former president of the Scottsdale Sister Cities organization, and William “Doc” Jones, Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, has blossomed into a cultural bridge between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. This festival, initially a groundbreaking student exchange program, has evolved into a significant event fostering cross-border connections through the universal language of jazz.

Expanding Horizons: The Jazz Appreciation Goodwill Tour

Building on the festival’s success, we propose an exciting new chapter: the Alamos Jazz Festival expanding into a three-city Jazz Appreciation Goodwill Tour of Sonora, Mexico. This tour will encompass Hermosillo, Navajo, and Alamos, showcasing exceptional jazz musicians and educators from Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. This initiative will be a powerful cultural ambassador, strengthening the bonds between Arizona and Mexico.

The Visionaries Behind the Initiative

The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, founded by William Doc Jones in partnership with UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, is dedicated to promoting jazz as a uniquely American art form and its ability to unite people across borders. We aim to create a memorable and impactful cultural exchange with the support of the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Scottsdale Tourism Department, Experience Scottsdale, and Sponsors.

Jazz as a Cultural Diplomat

The Jazz Appreciation Goodwill Tour will showcase Arizona’s rich musical heritage and foster mutual understanding and appreciation between our communities. Selected jazz musicians and educators will perform and engage with local audiences, sharing their talents and passion for jazz.

Tour Highlights

1. Hermosillo: The capital of Sonora and home to the Sonoran Institute of Culture, where local musicians will experience American jazz firsthand.

2. Navajo: AcitynearAlamoswithavibrantmusicalcommunityandakeeninterest in jazz.

3. Alamos is Scottsdale’s sister city and host of the renowned Festival Internacinal Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, one of the world’s largest music festivals.

Why This Matters

This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties between Arizona and Sonora. By leveraging jazz’s universal language, we can transcend borders and create lasting connections that benefit both states. The tour anticipates 25-30 jazz enthusiasts and business leaders from Scottsdale will join, further enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.

Join Us in This Cultural Exchange

We invite you to support and collaborate in making the Jazz Appreciation Goodwill Tour a success. Together, we can create a powerful platform for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between our communities. This innovative initiative embodies the core values of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation and the Scottsdale Sister Cities Association.

Please mark your calendars for March 15th and 16th, 2025, and join us in celebrating jazz’s universal language and ability to unite us across borders.

Contact Us

For more information and to get involved, please contact:

• ●  William “Doc” Jones, Executive Director, International Jazz Day AZ Foundation
• ●  Max Rumbaugh, Former President, Scottsdale Sister Cities OrganizationLet’s make this Jazz Appreciation Goodwill Tour a transformative experience for all involved. Thank you for your time and support.