Exclusive evening will celebrate legacy of Pima Tribe member Russell “Big Chief” Moore with concert by Doc Jones & Friends and reception in the sculpture garden.

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival, sponsored by the City of Scottsdale, will kick off their annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month by hosting their opening night at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Rhythm and jazz will come alive with an educational session about Russell “Big Chief” Moore followed by a short concert by Doc Jones and Friends, along with a light reception in the Christine and Ted Mollring Sculpture Garden.

The educational session will celebrate the legacy of Russell “Big Chief” Moore, a Pima tribe member, who grew up on the Gila River Indian community lands before moving to Chicago and then Los Angeles where he learned to play various instruments, eventually settling on trombone. Throughout his career, Moore worked with an array of artists including Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Alberta Hunter and Pee Wee Russell as well as recording under his own name. He is best remembered for his work as a member of Louis Armstrong’s band.

The educational session will be followed by a short concert by Doc Jones and Friends, led by the Founder of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, William Doc Jones. Who noted that, “Jazz isn’t just music; it’s a cultural expression, a way of storytelling, and a celebration of diversity.”

To attend ($10/person or $8/person for members of Western Spirit), visit www.westernspirit.org.

Attendees are also invited to the Scottsdale Jazz Festival’s grand finale of celebrations taking place at the Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, April 26, which will include a dynamic showcase of talent featuring a stellar lineup of acclaimed artists, such as Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. From smooth melodies to powerful rhythms, the event will highlight the diverse styles and emotional depth that make jazz an enduring art form.