United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce the fifth annual International Jazz Day, which will be celebrated around the world on April 30, 2016. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the 5th anniversary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House on April 29th and this spectacular event will be broadcast on International Jazz Day as a one-hour primetime ABC television special, “Jazz at the White House,” on Saturday evening, April 30th and streamed on the United Nations, UNESCO, U.S. State Department and White House websites. The concert will feature an extraordinary array of artists from around the world paying tribute to the truly American art form of jazz.
Washington, D.C. has been selected to serve as the 2016 Global Host City, and International Jazz Day programs are made possible by Toyota, the 2016 Lead Partner. Presented each year on April 30th in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe. The day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
The All-Star Global Concert at the White House will feature stellar performances by Joey Alexander, Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Chick Corea, Jamie Cullum, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, Robert Glasper, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Zakir Hussain, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Lionel Loueke, Hugh Masekela, Christian McBride, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, James Morrison, Danilo Pérez, Rebirth Brass Band, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, David Sánchez, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Sting, Trombone Shorty, Chucho Valdés, Bobby Watson, Ben Williams and others, with further details to be announced shortly. John Beasley will serve as the evening’s Musical Director.
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General, and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. The Institute is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing this annual celebration.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.
How will you celebrate International Jazz Day?
Register your event so get listed and help spread the word.
International Jazz Day takes place each year on April 30th. Follow these steps to get involved and start your own celebration:
Like/Follow International Jazz Day on Facebook and Twitter for updates on how people are celebrating around the world. Exchange with others about jazz’s impact, share posts and re-tweet material to your friends. Make sure to use #JazzDay in your message!
Organize an International Jazz Day event in your community. From concerts to classes, no event is too big or too small. Consult the examples below for more event inspiration.
Register your event on JazzDay.com to become an official participant and share your event with people around the world.
Use the materials in our online toolkit including promotional guides, downloadable logos and educator guides to make sure your event is the very best it can be.
On April 30th, visit JazzDay.com to check out featured events in the Global Host City and around the world. Don’t miss the all-star International Jazz Day concert, which each year brings together legendary artists from around the world for the day’s grand finale.
Read more on jazzday.com
