When UNESCO, under the artistic leadership of jazz icon Herbie Hancock, launched International Jazz Day in 2012, it was more than a celebration of music—it was a global call to unity, cultural diplomacy, and the power of jazz to heal and inspire.
Just one year later, in 2013, I took that call to heart and organized the very first International Jazz Day Festival in the State of Arizona. The event was held at CityScape in downtown Phoenix, and though we only had 150 people in attendance, it was a monumental moment for Arizona jazz history. Why? Because that first celebration was graced by one of the most outstanding jazz musicians of all time, George Benson. His presence showed the world that what we were starting here in Arizona had real meaning, soul, and staying power.
At that time, Congressman Greg Stanton, who was then serving as Mayor of Phoenix, stood behind my vision. By his side was Vice Mayor Kate Gallego, now the current Mayor of Phoenix. Their early support helped lay the groundwork for what would become a cultural movement across the state.
Now, 14 years later, the vision has grown into something powerful:
