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Opening Night! Scottsdale Jazz Festival – The Legacy of Russell “Big Chief” Moore Presented by Doc J
Opening Night! Scottsdale Jazz Festival – The Legacy of Russell “Big Chief” Moore
The festival events, sponsored by the City of Scottsdale, will begin on Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 PM with a special presentation at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Theater/Auditorium. This exclusive evening will celebrate the legacy of Russell “Big Chief” Moore. Moore, a Pima tribe member, 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.
“Jazz isn’t just music; it’s a cultural expression, a way of storytelling, and a celebration of diversity,” said William Doc Jones, Founder of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation.
Through an educational session followed by a short concert by Doc Jones and Friends, attendees will gain insight into his extraordinary journey and the broader influence of Native American contributions to jazz. This session will be preceded by a light reception in the Christine and Ted Mollring Sculpture Garden.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3002652-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3002652-2
