In 2002, the Smithsonian Institute determined April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), and then in November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated April 30th as International Jazz Day. JAM 2016, indicates the Smithsonian, is “exploring how jazz itself is a form of democracy – as a form of communication, as a solo or group, and as an equalizer,” while similarly UNESCO details International Jazz Day is meant to “highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” So let’s unite, communicate, and enjoy some beach diplomacy by taking in festivities to honor International Jazz Day right here in Puerto Peñasco with two nights of jamming under the stars, April 22nd and 23rd.
Doc Jones, of the International Jazz Day Foundation Arizona, as well as of 504 and 602 CityBuzz Magazines, has teamed up with AZ event promoter Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez this year to plan an April celebration of jazz to extend from the desert landscapes of the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve to the sunset lit stage of the malecón. Headlining the event will be Nayo Jones, along with Carlos Rivas & his Mex-Sal orchestra, among other local and international artists. Nayo Jones, who on April 11th will be singing the National Anthem at the last homegame between the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls, has already been named among New Orleans Women of Jazz by The New Orleans Agenda, and will also soon be releasing her first jazz album following her original album “My Name is Nayo Jones,” “A Holiday Collection,” and an EP title “Nayo.”
While this is by far not the first and definitely not the last time jazz will grace the night skies of Rocky Point, this is the first time Puerto Peñasco itself is included on the UNESCO’s list of worldwide events as part of International Jazz Day festivities. Other sites in Mexico honoring UNESCO International Jazz Day include: Chihuahua, Colima, Ensenada, Mexico City, Morelia (Michoacan), Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, and Tijuana.
Jazz weekend specials are being offered at Sea Side Reservations, by using code #JAZZ2016 when making online reservations, by email or phone reservations for the Jazz Festival Mexico: 638 383 0700 / USA: 602 288 8966