Tenth anniversary celebration of International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day has had extraordinary successes over the past decade, becoming the world’s largest annual celebration of jazz. It is a global movement, engaging people annually, on every continent, through education programs, performances, community outreach and media coverage.

The 30 April 2021 celebration will entail a 10-year anniversary All-Star Global Concert streaming live at 5:00 pm (US EDT) on jazzday.com, YouTube and Facebook. Hosted by UN Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas and featuring spectacular performances by Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Andra Day, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John McLaughlin, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Angelique Kidjo, John Beasley (Musical Director) and many more artists. 

Additionally, we’ll enjoy socially distanced performances from across the globe and educational programmes and community outreach initiatives taking place in more than 190 countries. The virtual education programme will include master classes led by acclaimed artists.

The 10th edition this year will focus on peacebuilding and will be structured around several activities: round table and concerts highlighting cultural heritage and traditions. More from UNESCO’s International Jazz Day playlist.

Music of improvisation and collective creation

International Jazz Day raises awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people, as well as an educational tool. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music will embrace the opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.

Why Jazz?

• Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
• Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression;
• Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace;
• Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities;
• Jazz fosters gender equality;
• Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change;
• Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones;
• Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies.

In November 2011 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as “International Jazz Day”. This International Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, it’s future and its impact. This important international art form is celebrated 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 for social change.