A Musical Bridge Between Arizona and Mexico
By: Doc Jones
For the past seven years, the Scottsdale Jazz Crossing the Border initiative has been a powerful force in fostering international unity through the universal language of jazz. Under the direction of William “Doc” Jones, Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, and with the steadfast support of Max Rumbaugh, former president of Scottsdale Sister Cities, this program has served as a cultural bridge between Arizona and Mexico. The initiative strengthened Scottsdale’s sister city relationship with Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. Jazz Crossing the Border has become a major annual event, uniting musicians, educators, and audiences from both nations through jazz concerts, educational workshops, and cross-border student exchange programs. This year, the program has expanded to a four-city tour featuring performances and educational outreach in Hermosillo, Guaymas, San Carlos, and Alamos.
High Notes, Big Saves, and Jazz Magic
This tour had its share of challenges from the start. The original band members who were supposed to join the tour could not make it at the last minute. Doc reached out to alto sax player Alex began calling musicians he had played with in the past. Alex’s first call was to a bass player, JT, who had only been in Phoenix for a few months. JT then began searching for a drummer and was given the name of Kenji from Tucson. None of these musicians had played together before. Further complications arose when the person who was supposed to supply the van for transporting the musicians fell through. In a quick-thinking move, Max found a place with a van available and ensured everything was in place for the tour to proceed.
A huge thanks goes to Isabel Valadez, who arranged the venues and accommodations for the band during the tour. One of the first significant challenges arose when the group arrived to obtain visas—the van was too heavy to cross into Mexico. Isabel promptly made calls; ultimately, officials permitted the group to proceed. Without Isabel, the tour would not have taken place. A key component of the initiative is its student exchange program, which allows young musicians from Arizona and Mexico to collaborate, learn, and grow through jazz. In partnership with the Sonoran Institute of Culture, Hermosillo’s Secretaría de Educación y Cultura, and Monarcas Resort & Casino, Jazz Crossing the Border has become a transformative experience for emerging jazz artists.
Jazz legends Doc Jones and Mario Abney headline this
year’s tour.
Doc Jones, a renowned jazz educator, saxophonist keyboard, and founder of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, has spent over 40 years mentoring young musicians and promoting jazz as a tool for cultural exchange. His commitment to fostering the next generation of artists is evident in every workshop, masterclass, and performance he leads. Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Mario Abney will join him. His electrifying performances blend traditional jazz with contemporary influences. A staple of the New Orleans jazz scene, Abney’s high-energy playing and innovative approach captivate audiences while inspiring young musicians to push the boundaries of jazz expression. Together, their leadership ensures that each stop on the tour is more than just a performance—it’s an opportunity for students and audiences alike to experience jazz’s transformative power. Doc Jones and Mario Abney are paving the way for a new era of jazz excellence through engaging workshops, immersive performances, and meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
A Surprise in Hermosillo
“I wanted to share a remarkable experience from the first leg of our tour that genuinely highlighted the transformative power of music, said Doc Jones”. Max noticed a youth soccer team of over 50 kids checking in while checking out of the hotel. Inspired by this moment, he considered calling Doc to suggest Mario Abney join them for an impromptu session. With bassist JT and saxophonist Alex, they turned the hotel lobby into a spontaneous concert hall. It was incredible to see! Many of these kids had never experienced live jazz, and their excitement was palpable. This event not only entertained but also united everyone present through the universal language of music. This experience is a testament to how impactful our performances can be beyond just
entertainment—they can create lasting memories and connections within communities.The tour began with our workshop. Here are some highlights from our day, which began with an inspiring workshop filled with enthusiastic young learners. Their eagerness to absorb knowledge was truly refreshing and a testament to their dedication.Following the workshop, the Scottsdale Cross Band treated us to an incredible performance.
Their energy and talent captivated everyone in attendance, adding a vibrant touch to our day. This combination of learning and live music enriched our experience and fostered a sense of community among participants. Events like these remind us of the importance of collaboration and creativity. On to the next leg of the tour!
Guaymas: A Night to Remember
The incredible experience we had recently in Guaymas truly showcased the power of music and cultural exchange. Guaymas embraced the tour with an electrifying opening set by Sayonara Ragge Band. Their reggae sound energized the audience, leading to a night filled with dance, rhythm, and cultural exchange. The Scottsdale Jazz Crossing the Border Band was at its best, delivering a soulful performance that captivated the crowd. The night’s highlight was when the audience joined in a New Orleans-style second line, creating a moment of unity through music and movement.