International Jazz Day 2016, April 30

A Letter from Herbie Hancock and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova;

Dear Friends,
 

It is an honor to invite you to the 5th Annual International Jazz Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. This day was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 2012 to promote jazz music and culture as a tool to inspire peaceful cooperation and partnership among communities around the globe.

This day is an extraordinary demonstration of the power of jazz to promote world peace, stimulate intercultural dialogue and above all, bring people together. On April 30, people in 195 countries on every single continent will be demonstrating their commitment to the unifying power of music.

We are partnering with teachers, musicians, students, historians, and community leaders at schools, universities, libraries, art venues, community centers, hospitals, and shelters. All over the world, the streets will be alive with the sounds of jazz – of freedom – and millions of people will learn about its rich history; its ethical and philosophical foundations; and its inherent message of acceptance and respect. Our hope is that this day will inspire people all over the world to listen to one another and cooperate in a spirit of peace.

Many thanks to Washington, D.C. for serving as the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2016 and for featuring Jazz Day programs in every single Ward.
 

Thank you for your support and Happy International Jazz Day!

 

FORUM : International Jazz Day - April 30

EVENTS : International Jazz Day 2016 Opening Ceremony,  April 30.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Mayor Bowser of Washington, D.C., UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, UN FAO Goodwill Ambassador Dee Dee Bridgewater.


CONCERT : International Jazz Day 2016 All-Star Global Concert.

Each year, the All-Star Global Concert brings together internationally acclaimed artists from around the world who represent jazz and other musical genres for a performance spanning styles, cultures and languages. In the spirit of International Jazz Day, the All-Star Global Concert takes place in a landmark venue with rich historical significance. We are honored that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the International Jazz Day 2016 All-Star Global Concert from the White House, with artists performing throughout the White House and on the South Lawn. The concert will be broadcast across the United States on April 30th – International Jazz Day – as an

ABC network television special and streamed around the world by the United Nations and UNESCO. Viewers will experience jazz being played at the White House, where it has been showcased by every Administration since President Kennedy.

The 2016 All-Star Global Concert will feature a cast of internationally renowned Jazz music artists including

 

• Pianists :Joey Alexander, John Beasley (Music Director), Kris Bowers, Chick Corea, Robert Glasper, Herbie Hancock, Danilo Perez and Chucho Valdés Oficial;

• Trumpeters : Terence Blanchard, Till Brönner, Hugh Masekela and James Morrison;

• Vocalists : Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jamie Cullum, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves Music and Sting;

 

• Saxophonists : Eli Degibri, David Sanchez @ Jazz Standard in New York, NY, Wayne Shorter and Bobby Watson;

 

• Bassists : Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding and Ben Williams;

 

• Guitarists : Buddy Guy, Lionel Loueke, Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour;

 

• Drummers : Brian Blade, Terri Lyne Carrington and Kendrick Scott;

 

• Percussionist : Zakir Hussain; Paul Rutherford (trombone player) Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue; and the Rebirth Brass Band