International Jazz Day
International Jazz Day is an International Day declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 "to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe." It is celebrated annually on April 30. The idea came from jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Jazz Day is chaired by Hancock and the UNESCO Director-General. The celebration is recognized on the calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
| International Jazz Day | |
|---|---|
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock performs during the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert simulcast in Havana, Cuba, April 30, 2017. | |
| Observed by | All UNESCO Member States |
| Type | International |
| Significance | Celebrates jazz music's influence in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue |
| Date | April 30 |
| Next time | April 30, 2024 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | April 30, 2012 |
| Related to | Jazz |
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz (formerly the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz), an American NGO also chaired by Hancock, is the lead organizational partner for Jazz Day. The Institute coordinates activities in the UNESCO member states as well as the Global Host Celebration. Events in the Host City culminate in an All-Star Global Concert, which involves numerous jazz musicians from around the world performing in or around an historical landmark.
The 2022 celebration of International Jazz Day featured an All-Star Global Concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall, with Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, Shemekia Copeland, Marcus Miller, Mark Whitfield, Hiromi, Linda Oh, David Sanborn, Randy Brecker, Ravi Coltrane, Zakir Hussain, Brian Blade and others.