A Musical Bridge Between Arizona and Mexico 2026
Although this initiative began last year and continues to grow, I want to share an important update.
Due to the significant work involved in transitioning the annual Scottsdale Jazz Festival to a new and improved venue, much of my time this year is devoted to ensuring that major production is executed at the highest level.
While I will not be able to attend Jazz Crossing the Border in person this year, I have full confidence in the outstanding leadership of JT and Alex. I have entrusted the band to their direction, and I know they will carry the vision forward with excellence.
It may feel different without me physically present — and I will certainly miss being there — but the mission remains the same: to use jazz to unite communities across borders.
In many ways, this year represents growth. Leadership expands. Vision multiplies. And the music continues.
Jazz Crossing the Border is bigger than one person. It is about the bond we have built over nine years — and that bond is stronger than ever.
A Musical Bridge Between Arizona and Mexico 2025
By: Doc Jones
Jazz Crossing the Border: Nine Years of Building Unity Through Music
For the past nine years, I have had the privilege of using jazz as a bridge between the United States and Mexico through our initiative, Jazz Crossing the Border.
This vision was created alongside Max Rumbaugh Jr., former president of Scottsdale Sister Cities Association. Together, we believed that jazz — America’s original art form — could serve as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connection.
Through our partnership with Scottsdale Sister Cities and our relationships in Sonora, we have built an annual exchange of concerts, workshops, and educational outreach in cities such as Nogales, Hermosillo, Guaymas, and Alamos.
A major part of this initiative is student engagement. Young musicians from both sides of the border participate in workshops, master classes, and live performance opportunities alongside professional artists. Watching students collaborate across cultures reminds me why we began this journey in the first place.
Jazz itself was born from the blending of cultures — African, Caribbean, Latin, and European influences coming together to create something uniquely powerful. That spirit of inclusion mirrors the relationship we continue to nurture between Arizona and Mexico.
I have always believed that music speaks where words sometimes fall short. For nine years, we have used jazz to carry a message of respect, friendship, and unity between our two countries.
As we continue this work, our mission remains simple: build bridges through rhythm, melody, and shared human experience.
In a time when conversations across borders can be complex, Jazz Crossing the Border reminds us that art still has the power to connect us.
— William “Doc” Jones
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 and 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 van 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.