Why Choose Us
Passionate
Doc Jones’ passion for jazz, food, and celebration goes far beyond the stage or table—it is a lifelong commitment to uniting people through culture, community, and shared joy. Whether curating world-class jazz experiences, honoring culinary traditions, or creating spaces where stories, sounds, and flavors intersect, his work transforms moments into meaningful, unforgettable experiences that connect generations and communities.
Professional
Doc Jones is a jazz musician and cultural leader dedicated to bringing people together through music, food, and celebration. As Executive Director of the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, he creates impactful festivals that honor jazz’s global legacy while inspiring community connection and cultural exchange.
Support
Doc Jones is a jazz musician and cultural leader whose work has earned support from four governors, the Arizona House and Senate, and more than ten former and current mayors. His advocacy helped pass a House resolution declaring April as Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30 as Jazz Day in Arizona, uniting communities through music, culture, and celebration.
A Festival of Food & Music from Chicago to Arizona! 2027
Culinary Gangster: Experience Born in Chicago, Thriving in Arizona
Why Culinary Gangster
Culinary Gangster embodies the same spirit as great jazz—authentic, bold, and rooted in culture. From its Chicago street-food origins to its fast-casual fine dining presence across Arizona, the brand represents creativity, hustle, and community connection.
As a partner, Culinary Gangster enhances the guest experience by delivering high-quality cuisine with mass appeal, attracting food lovers, professionals, and cultural tastemakers alike. Its strong regional footprint and distinctive identity make it a natural fit for premium events that value excellence, originality, and audience engagement.
Culinary Gangster doesn’t just serve food—it helps create memorable moments that elevate the entire event experience.
- Taste of Chicago Thanksgiving Weekend 2027
- Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix, AZ
- Produced By Aubrey Morris & Doc Jones
Iconic Chicago Flavors
Legendary Chicago tastes arrive in Arizona.
Celebration with Sound
A vibrant fusion of music and celebration.
Chicago arrives in Arizona
The Windy City lands in Arizona.
Live Music Entertainment
Dynamic live performances energize the atmosphere at the Scottsdale Festival.
RESTAURANTS
Led by local restaurateurs, backed by the City of Chicago.
The Taste of Chicago festival began in 1980 as a modest, one-day food event celebrating the city’s diverse culinary scene. Organized by local restaurateurs and supported by the City of Chicago, the inaugural festival featured a small group of restaurants and exceeded expectations by drawing more than 250,000 attendees, far surpassing initial projections.
Drew over 250,000 attendees, surpassing all initial projections.
Following its overwhelming success, Taste of Chicago quickly expanded into a multi-day summer tradition held in Grant Park, becoming a signature celebration of Chicago’s food culture. The festival showcased everything from deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to ethnic cuisines reflecting the city’s rich immigrant communities.
Taste of Chicago is now one of the world’s largest food festivals.
As Chicago natives missed the iconic flavors of their hometown, two Chicagoans who have lived in Phoenix for the past 35 years decided to bring the essence of Chicago and its legendary food to Phoenix, creating a vibrant festival celebrating culture, music, culinary traditions, and community.
Communities united through flavor, music, and culture.
“As a Jazz Musician and a native of Chicago, I was honored to have been hired by Tom Drillias, founder of Festivals, Inc. The visionary force behind iconic events such as Chicagofest, Taste of Chicago, Taste of Minnesota, Taste of Colorado, Milwaukee à la Carte, Maritime Days, and many more. Tom had a true gift for entertaining; whether producing a food festival, cooking for friends, or captivating a room with a story, he brought people together with warmth, creativity, and an unmistakable passion for celebration.”
William “Doc” Jones