Celebrations of International Jazz Appreciation Month in April will take place in Scottsdale.

The celebration is being led by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Hancock has invited William “Doc” Jones, International Jazz Day AZ Foundation executive director, to bring this year’s statewide celebration to the Valley.

The International Jazz Day in Arizona outdoor music festival takes place Saturday, April 30 at the Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., on the northeast lawn of City Hall. Ticket prices range from $25 for lawn seating to $250 for VIP seating.

Click here for tickets.

Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, Paradise Town Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner, and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods have all agreed to aid in making this a major tourist attraction for the area.

The beginning of Jazz Appreciation Month will take place on Tempe Jazz Day at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, on Thursday, April 8. The event will include a performance by Nayo Jones and her band, The Nayo Jones Experience from New Orleans.

The second Jazz event in the Valley takes place Wednesday, April 20 on the lawn of the Arizona State Capital. The event, Jazz At Lunch, goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is free to support jazz education and military jazz musicians.

The evening of Friday, April 29, the Weston Kirkland Resort and Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, will host a pre-party from 6 to 10 p.m. This Weston Kirkland Jazz Premiere Party will be complete with top shelf drinks, food and music. Jazz will be provided by the legendary Doc Jones, Fred Bowswell Jr., Neamen Lyles, The Sugar Thieves, Jaleo, and the Nayo Jones Experience.

International Jazz Day will be celebrated April 30. The Scottsdale Jazz Festival concert will conclude the month of jazz from 3 to 10 p.m.

Food trucks will be on site.

Doc Jones has gathered some of the best jazz performers. The program includes regional and international superstars including Carlos Rivas & su Orquesta Mexsal, Jaleo, Jesse McGuire, Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns, Nayo Jones, and headliners Rick Braun + Richard Elliot.

There will also be a performance by the Molina 32nd Street All Star Youth Jazz Band.

Tickets for the Friday, April 8 Kick Off in Tempe available by clicking here.

Prices are $45 for regular seating and $75 for VIP front row seating.

Tickets for the Scottsdale Jazz Festival Premiere Party are $135.05 per person and and are available here.