International Jazz AZ Day News Letter

INT’L JAZZ DAY ARIZONA NEWS LETTER 1ST JAZZ AT LUNCH TIME DAY STATE CAPITOL PHOENIX AZ

Who Is NextStudent Music Acddemy?

•The NextStudents Music Program is designed to develop the musicianship of children and adults in the area. The faculty, staff, and facilities of the Nextstudent Music Academy will provide a safe environment for its participants to draw on the comprehensive program available to those youth wishing to learn and/ or advance their musical training and performance through quality music instruction; •Students who are just beginning or those who have studied for many years will benefit from the knowledge and experience of our professional faculty under the direction of Doc Jones, and other well known professional Jazz clinicians, musicians and educators.

April. May, June 2017

International Jazz Day Unites Jazz Enthusiasts Around the State of Arizona Written by: Karen Flemister Jazz. This music genre has seen its own peaks and valleys in terms of popularity. Periodically jazz has been written off as obsolete, a formerly popular music category left for the archives of history. Well, rumors of the death of jazz are greatly exaggerated. There is a person in Arizona who refuses to sit idly by while jazz music fades away into the dustbin of history. He is actually using jazz as a mechanism to build bridges between politicians from both sides of the aisle and residents throughout the state.

The front of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona will be the site for Jazz At Lunch Time on April 26, 2017 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Several State Senators and House Representatives, including the Speaker of the House, have committed to participating in this event. Local mayors from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Douglas, and Tucson, will be VIP guests in attendance. Dr. William “Doc” Jones is the coordinator bringing entities together to promote the 6th Annual International Jazz Day in Arizona.

He hopes to soon collaborate with Gov. Doug Ducey and the state leg-

islature to henceforth make April 30th a day of Jazz Celebration in the state, perhaps leading to an eventual state holiday. This Annual International Jazz Day Celebration will be held in three locations, the Mesa Arts Center, Herberger Theater, and the Arizona State Capitol, with performances by some of the top jazz artists in America.

According to Doc Jones, a jazz artist in his own right, “This really is becoming a Movement. I’m currently part of a select group that is carrying the banner for the spirit and soul of Jazz music.” Although currently a solo idea that is unifying the state around the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) International Jazz Day’s declaration, Jones has relentlessly been building bridges throughout the state for this cause.

He has been a unifying force in the state across party lines and among people of various races to make jazz a force to be reckoned with. Being a unifier in a state Conti page 2

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ARIZONA GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY DECLARED APRIL 30TH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY IN ARIZONA

Governor Ducey

sometimes known to be hesitant to fully celebrate its great diversity is a major feat. Ducey has been forging partnerships between Gov. Claudia Popovich of Sonora, Mexico and the state of Arizona to find common ground by building business partnerships.

Jones plans to bring her along as a welcoming bridge to the Mexican people through the art form of jazz music. Several state leaders, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Douglas Mayor Robert Uribe, and Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild have recorded proclamations in support of this Arizona’s International Jazz Day Celebration. The Arizona’s Governor has created a video in support of this special day. House Representative’s Member Reginald Bolden will read a Proclamation for the celebration on the floor of the State House. Two mayors from Sonora, Mexico, Omar Salas, and Kiko Munro have also added great support through recorded proclamations. State officials from a few other cities are also backing the celebration.

UNESCO designated April 30th as International Jazz Day in November 2011 to unite nations and people

Governor Popovich

through highlighting the importance of jazz. Famed Jazz Artist Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, is pushing International Jazz Day around the world as a global phenomenon. He also is the Chairman of the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz that promotes this day for artists, historians, academic scholars, schools and communities throughout the world. As the Executive Director of International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, Jones uses his organization to teach children the art of playing jazz from kindergarten forward in school programs. He also imparts his knowledge of jazz history to those lesser informed. The work of this Foundation is his way of giving back to the community and raising awareness and promoting love for jazz music to the next generation. Jones is inviting corporations to get on board the “Jazz Train,” becoming title sponsors for his Foundation and helping unify the state for International Jazz Day this year and beyond.

Everyone is invited to come out to all events and support the growth of jazz in the state of Arizona.

For more information visit www.jazzdayaz.com.

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What is International Jazz Day?

I DECLARE APRIL 30TH

International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.

In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General, and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. The Institute is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing this annual celebration.

International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April.

In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.

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Doc & Friends Creates Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation Social Club Membership Development Action Plan To recruit and retain high quality Int’l Jazz Day AZ Social Club Members, our membership development plan should have the following action steps: 1. Identify 2. Introduce 3. Invite 4. Induct 5. Inform and orient 6. Involve 7. Educate

BIG AL HEGGS & DOC JONES JOIN FORCES TO CREATE A JAZZ MOVEMENT SOCIAL CLUB TO SUPPORT ARTS & CULTURAL EDUCATION

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Two or more Monthly Jazz Day AZ club progr ams a year focused on continuing education • Participation of club members in multidistrict meetings that address continuing education • At least two club assemblies a year focused on education • District-level seminars on continuing Arts and Cultur al education • Sharing of ideas and information on Int’l Jazz Day AZ progr ams, projects, and activities at committee meetings • Attendance of club members at meetings of other clubs Refer to the Membership Development Resource Guide for more information on developing our new membership development action plan.

1. Identify well-qualified members of our Jazz community to be members of your Jazz Day AZ club. These individuals should be of strong character and have a commitment to service. This focus on quality will improve your Jazz Day club’s membership retention.

2. Introduce prospective members to International Jazz Day AZ Foundation by informing them about International Jazz Day AZ Foundation programs and our club’s service efforts. Compile this information in a Jazz Day AZ club profile that can be presented to visitors or inserted into copies of the Int’l Jazz Day AZ brochure and given to all visitors. Our next issue of 602 & 504 magazine is also a good introduction to Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation. A prospective member who has been introduced to Jazz Day AZ Foundation by enthusiastic Jazz Lovers and is informed about the Jazz Day AZ club’s projects before joining is more likely to become involved and remain active. 3. Invite a prospective member to become a Jazz Day AZ club member with a personal visit from both the proposer and a member of the club’s membership committee. This two-person visit provides the prospective member with a second contact in the club, one who brings additional Jazz Day AZ knowledge and experience. Jazz Lovers extending the invitation should know the personal interests and abilities of the prospective member in order to point out Jazz Day club activities and projects.

Our club assists the new member by paying part or all of the registration fees and costs of the conference.

After the conference, ask the new member to give a report to the club. • Introduce a “commencement” program, where all Jazz Day AZ club members who join in the same Int’l Jazz Day year work together on a project. • Encourage new members to experience the internationality of Jazz Day by attending the our Int’l Jazz Day Convention we plan on having in 2021 (10th Annual); • Ask new members to find two or three other new members from among their peer group When new members promote Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation to their friends, they become stronger and more enthused about Jazz Day AZ. Many clubs find it wise to involve the new member’s sponsor during this process. The sponsor keeps close contact with the new Jazz Day member for the first six months or until the new member is truly involved in the Jazz Day AZ club.

5 4. Induct new members in a dignified and meaningful manner. Use the induction ceremony as an opportunity to explain the benefits and responsibilities of being a Jazz Day AZ member. Our Jazz Day AZ club should provide a new member with the following items: • Jazz Day AZ lapel pin • Jazz Day AZ Membership identification card • Copy of the Jazz Day AZ club news letter • District directory • Latest House and Senate district’s monthly Int’l Jazz Day letter • The Jazz Lovers or 504/602 magazine • List of local clubs for make-up meetings • Jazz Day AZ Club badge • IJDAZ Foundation Club history • Jazz Day AZ Club banner If possible, invite family members to attend. During the ceremony, offer new members the opportunity to give a five-minute talk about themselves, their businesses, and their families. The induction ceremony should leave new members feeling enthused about membership.

5. Inform and Orient new members about our Jazz Day AZ club and the Foundation by focusing on the following areas: • Benefits of membership • Responsibilities of membership • Opportunities for service Consider scheduling a formal orientation program in several sessions to enhance retention of information. During the first six months, new Jazz Day AZ members can expand their understanding of Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation in these ways: • Attending new member orientation meetings • The Jazz Day AZ Foundation Quick Reference Guide • Visiting the Int’l Jazz Day Learning Center at www.jazzdayaz.com • Attending one or more of the following club functions: - Jazz Day AZ Club assembly - Board meeting - Committee meeting • Completing one or more of the following tasks: - Give a classification talk at a club meeting. - Make up a meeting at another Jazz Day AZ club on one of the 6 locations we plan to start clubs in over the next 36 months. - Invite a guest to a club meeting or propose a

new member. • Attending one or more district meetings (listed in order of priority): - District conference - District assembly - District Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation seminar • Choosing a club committee on which to serve See New Member Orientation for more ideas. 6. Involve new members in Jazz Day AZ club committees, activities, fundraisers, board meetings, weekly Jazz Day AZ club meetings, and social activities. An involved member will feel a part of the Jazz Day AZ club and make Int’l Jazz AZ Foundation a personal priority. Consider the following methods of getting members involved in Jazz Day AZ club activities: • Assign new members to a committee, or give them a weekly meeting assignment. • We need to create special name badges for new members to wear for one year. Encourage other members to look for the badges and make an extra effort to talk with the new members. • Assign a new member to be a greeter, take attendance, or introduce a new speaker.

• Have a new member serve as a delegate to the district conference to learn about the world of UNESCO and Herbie Hancock and the projects being done outside of our Jazz Day AZ club.

7. Educate all Jazz Day AZ club members so they have enough knowledge to take the initiative and become more active. We must understand that Some Jazz Day AZ members will resign from their Jazz Day AZ clubs because they feel uninformed that’s where our monthly news letters come in. Jazz Day AZ Clubs should have a continuing education policy in place to keep existing members up-todate on Int’l Jazz Day AZ Foundation and the Jazz Day AZ club. Such a program would include: • Frequent communication of 504 Multi Media International publication and Jazz Day AZ club news letter and information •

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Interview: Doc Jones Discusses 6th Annual Int’l Jazz Day Dr. William Jones, known as Doc Jones, executive director of International Jazz day AZ foundation, musician and music educator, spoke with AXS about the upcoming jazz day festivities recently.

The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation is a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 2015 as a 501-C3 organization.

AXS: What is the mission of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation?

Doc Jones: The mission is to utilize International Jazz Day and jazz month to produce concerts and events that will bring attention to tourism to our state of Arizona. Funds raised on International Jazz weekend will go to sponsor smaller organizations like NextStudent Academy, Academy of Excellence and the Boy Scouts of America. These organizations have a commitment to develop curriculums that will keep the art of jazz on the minds of our young people. In 2016, we had the honor of co-producing the first festival in Puerto Penasco, Mexico on the southern border of Mexico.

AXS: How did the Governor of Arizona get involved with the International Jazz Day celebration?

DJ: I was at a fundraiser for the governor of Arizona when he was promoting a bill called proposition 123. Its purpose was to put more money into the school system; the education system that he was mandated to do. I asked how much of that money was going to go toward arts education. He said we definitely have money set aside for art education. I asked what about music; specifically jazz? He had not heard about it. As a result of our conversation, Mr. Ducey assigned one of his assistants to research that. That was the beginning of a long-term goal to look at 2016. and (they) announced their plan. I became involved and instituted the art of Jazz and the UNESCO International Jazz Day celebration. Both governors liked the plan and now we are going into 2017.

The Mesa Arts Center joins more than 196 global Jazz Day celebrations on April 30th, the date officially designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate jazz and the role it plays in uniting people around the world. World renowned Organist Tony Monaco headlines this year’s International jazz Day Festival. Monaco is one of the best organ players in the world. Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith, Monaco does not swing, smolder or smoke… Monaco burns. Special Guest Billboard Artist Scott & Ginger Whitfield – Scott and Ginger are a top-notch jazz vocal duo. Practicing the extreme sport of big band, they have been dubbed “the swingmeister” and “fabulous chanteuse.” Scott and Ginger are a dynamic duo reminiscent of Mel Torme/Jack Jones, Julie London/ Annie Ross, Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby

7 Jazz has a diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe, according to the United Nations’ cultural organization (UNESCO).

Every year on 30 April, International Jazz Day brings together communities, artists, historians and jazz enthusiasts to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots.

The musical genre is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and dignity.

EVENTS HELD IN 196 NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

In an unprecedented series of events worldwide, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz joined together to celebrate jazz as a universal language of freedom on April ...

Eventually, we were able to get Governor Ducey to proclaim April 30th International Jazz Day in Arizona. It came with a 60-second public service announcement called International Jazz Day with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) mission behind that. At the same time, we were able to connect with Mayor Stanton of Phoenix and Congressman Gallego and Senator McCain.

The governor has an organization called Arizona – Mexico Commission that has been in existence for 57 years. Governor Ducey and the new governor of Mexico, Claudia Pavlovich Arellano, met and discussed promoting peace and better traveling conditions between Arizona and Mexico. They had a summit in June of 2016 AXS: How have you started to implement that plan?

DJ: Since June, I have gotten support from five Arizona mayors. The mayors, Jim Lane of Scottsdale, Greg Stanton of Phoenix, John Giles of Mesa, Robert Uribe of Douglas, and Jonathan Rothschild of Tucson are involved. So far, four of the five men have helped me set up small events to kick off the 6th Annual Arizona’s International Jazz Day. “Jazz At Lunch Time” will start the chain of events on Wednesday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. We are going to erect a stage in front of the state capitol.

The state senators, the House of Representatives, the governor, the mayors as well as the general public are invited to come out. This year, we will use the ‘6th Annual International Jazz Day’ to put the eyes of the world, thanks to UNESCO and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, on the state of Arizona and the good work these people are doing here utilizing the art form of jazz.

AXS: What is the schedule on the weekend of International Jazz Day? DJ: On April 29, we will be at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts for the Official International Jazz Day AZ Foundation event. Every year we will have an official event in one of these cities. This year, it will be in Scottsdale under the guidance of Mayor Jim Lane. The headliner for the night will be Grammy nominee, Azar Lawrence who took John Coltrane’s place after Mr. Coltrane’s passing. McCoy Tyner invited him in to join the band when he was 20-years old. He has played with McCoy, Miles and many other musicians. We also are honored to announce Arturo O’Farrill, the Cuban-All Star conductor. Mr. O’Farrill has won five Grammy awards including two this year for his project in Cuba called “Cuba, the Conversation Continues.” He will be on the bill with Azar Lawrence. And of course, we have the one and only Nayo Jones, an up and coming star who is blazing the world with her performances. On Sunday, 30 April, we will be at the Mesa Arts Center with headliner, Grammy-nominated Tony Monaco, the jazz organ master. Also, Scott Wittman will be performing with Mr. Monaco along with several local artists. That Sunday is International Jazz Day. We are going to close out this year on Sat May 6th in Phoenix, AZ at the Herberger Theatre where we

combine the International Jazz Day with the Phoenix Urban Wine Walk. They will get together to do a ‘pub crawl.’ That is from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. That will close out the year for us. We are excited about it because we are collaborating with the Boy Scouts of America. We are hoping that this brings attention to the young Boy Scouts as well as jazz. Both are as American as apple pie.

Also, we start out the month of April, April 7, 8, and 9th we will be doing the first annual Jazz Day festival. This will take place in Los Alamos, New Mexico with the mayor’s and the governor’s support. We will be back in Puerto Penasco, Mexico on April 21-22 that is the home of a historical spot El Pinacante where volcanoes erupted five million years ago. Last year history was made. It was the first time a jazz band ever played around those craters.

AXS: What is the takeaway message you would like people to get from this conversation?

DJ: In addition to announcing the International Jazz Day festivities, we would like to get the attention of a major sponsor or sponsors that will join us in marketing this ‘6th Annual International Jazz Day’ weekend. Ticket sales only cover a small portion of the cost of the festivities. We are hoping to elevate this where thousands of people will participate in this annual affair.

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