International Jazz Day AZ Foundation and Sedona International Film Festival Explore Reviving Sedona’s Jazz Tradition, Beginning with The Nayo Jones Experience on April 28, 2027.
SEDONA, ARIZONA — November 2026 — Could Sedona once again become a destination for world-class jazz?
That question is at the heart of a new cultural initiative following Sedona’s November 12 Arts and Culture Community Conversation, where artists, community leaders, and cultural organizations gathered to discuss the future of the arts.
William “Doc” Jones, Founder and Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, attended the gathering and came away convinced that the time is right to bring jazz back to Sedona.
“Sedona has an incredible history of jazz, and after meeting so many people who care deeply about this community’s cultural future, I believe we have an opportunity to bring that tradition back,” said Jones.
The Flavor of New Orleans Comes to Sedona — April 28, 2027
The first step in this new chapter will take place on Wednesday, April 28, 2027, when internationally acclaimed New Orleans jazz vocalist Nayo Jones brings The Nayo Jones Experience & Special Guests to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona.
Known for her powerful vocals, soulful performances, and musical roots in New Orleans, Nayo Jones brings together traditional jazz, contemporary soul, and the unmistakable spirit of the Crescent City.
Two intimate performances are planned:
- First Show: 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Second Show: 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM
With approximately 100 seats available per performance, audiences will have an opportunity to experience world-class jazz in an intimate setting.
The concert is part of the Foundation’s 2027 Northern Arizona Jazz Appreciation Month Tour, which will also bring jazz celebrations to Prescott and Flagstaff.
Reviving the Spirit of Jazz on the Rocks
Sedona has a remarkable musical history.
In 1982, Johnny Gilbert founded Jazz on the Rocks, an event that helped establish Sedona as a destination for outstanding jazz performances. The festival attracted celebrated musicians, including legendary pianist and UNESCO International Jazz Day Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who performed in Sedona in September 1990.
Jones believes this history provides the foundation for something new.
Working with Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival, Jones is exploring the development of a regular Sedona Jazz Series, with the long-term vision of bringing back a Sedona Jazz Festival.
“Our goal is not simply to produce one concert,” Jones explained. “We want to work with the community to create something lasting. Imagine Sedona once again welcoming jazz lovers from across Arizona and beyond, supporting local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and the arts community.”
Honoring the Legacy of Marion K. Herrman
The April 28 celebration will also honor the late Mrs. Marion K. Herrman, a beloved jazz vocalist, philanthropist, arts supporter, and co-founder of the Sedona International Film Festival.
Her contributions helped shape the artistic and cultural spirit that continues to define Sedona today.
There is a meaningful historical connection: Mrs. Herrman passed away on April 30, 2012, the same year UNESCO celebrated its inaugural International Jazz Day.
The Foundation is working to recognize her extraordinary contributions through a special tribute and a proclamation honoring her legacy from Governor Katie Hobbs.
“Mrs. Herrman believed in the power of the arts to enrich people’s lives,” said Jones. “As we look toward Sedona’s cultural future, it is important that we remember those who helped build its foundation.”
Fifteen Years of Uniting Arizona Through Jazz
Jones began his International Jazz Day journey in 2012 in New Orleans, where he met jazz legend Herbie Hancock during the inaugural worldwide celebration.
He brought the celebration to Arizona in 2013 and founded the Scottsdale Jazz Festival in 2017.
For the past 15 years, his mission has been to unite communities throughout Arizona around Jazz Appreciation Month and UNESCO’s International Jazz Day.
His work helped secure the passage of Arizona House Concurrent Resolution 2017, recognizing April as Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30 as International Jazz Day in Arizona.
Now, through the Northern Arizona Jazz Appreciation Month Tour, that vision is expanding to Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff.
An Invitation to the Sedona Community
While the first concert is scheduled for April 2027, the effort to rebuild Sedona’s jazz tradition is beginning now.
The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation welcomes conversations with local businesses, restaurants, hotels, musicians, arts organizations, community leaders, and residents interested in helping develop an ongoing jazz series and potentially a future Sedona Jazz Festival.
“Sedona already has the history, the beauty, and the artistic community,” Jones said. “Now we have an opportunity to bring those elements together and create something special for generations to come.”
Event Information
The Nayo Jones Experience & Special Guests
Wednesday, April 28, 2027
Mary D. Fisher Theatre
2030 W. State Route 89A
Sedona, Arizona
Two Performances:
- 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Proposed Ticket Prices:
- Sedona Residents: $45
- General Admission: $55
Ticket availability and reservation details will be announced.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and community partnerships:
William “Doc” Jones
Founder & Executive Director
International Jazz Day AZ Foundation
www.jazzdayaz.com
The International Jazz Day AZ Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating jazz through music, education, and cultural collaboration
