It’s the ultimate combination: cool jazz and blues come together to create a red-hot music festival. The Scottsdale Jazz Festival Blues & Brews returns to the Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, April 27. This year the event takes place at the Civic Center’s new East Bowl, its largest amphitheater in a beautiful setting.
This year’s headline act is Grammy Award-winning contemporary jazz and R&B superstar Norman Brown. Other artists include internationally known New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, renown vocalist Nayo Jones, Carlos Rivas and Mexsal, Arizona-based jazz great Neaman Lyles, Kiara Jayne, Kings of Soul and more.
In addition to a captivating array of sights and sounds, food showcasing the flavors of New Orleans will be on hand.
This year the festival is partnering with 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.
New this year is the Brew Garden Beer Tasting featuring a selection of craft beers in the signature beer garden. A beer cicerone (someone who specializes in the service and knowledge of beer) will be on hand to guide attendees and answer any questions. Beer tasting tickets are sold separately and do not include entry into the event.
Gates to the event open at 3 p.m. with the acts beginning at 4 p.m. and scheduled to conclude at 10:30 p.m.
“Scottsdale Jazz festival brings amazing artists jamming at the new East Bowl, which seats nearly 2,800 fans,” said Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega. “The cool lawn, savory food and every style of cool jazz make the newest venue in Arizona special.”
The Molina Fine Jewelers Scottsdale Jazz Festival Blues & Brews Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale is 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.
“Prepare to be mesmerized by an exceptional lineup of renowned artists who will take you on a musical journey like no other,” said Jones. “Whether you are a long-time jazz fan or new to this music, this festival will transport you straight to the heart of jazz and blues culture in a spectacular setting in the heart of Scottsdale.”
“I am thrilled to help bring jazz to a broader audience as well as to be helping young people discover and appreciate this distinct art form,” said Molina Fine Jewelers President and CEO Al Molina.
“We are proud to be a part of this signature Scottsdale event that introduces more fans to jazz and more visitors to our great city,” said Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale General Manager Vern Foutz.
Proceeds from the festival benefit 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.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to ScottsdaleJazzFest.org.
