UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced that the host city of the 5th International Jazz Day, which will be celebrated around the world on April 30, will be Washington D.C.
This year, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be hosting the 5th anniversary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House in Washington, D.C. on April 29. The event will be broadcast as a one-hour primetime ABC Television special titled "Jazz at the White House" on April 30, and streamed on the United Nations, UNESCO, U.S. State Department and White House websites.
Artists performing on the night include drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, trumpeter Chick Corea, vocalists Aretha Franklin and Dianne Reeves, bassist Christian McBride, pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist Wayne Shorter and many more.
Hancock, who will also be among the night’s performers, said, "Over the past five years, the innovation and creativity of Jazz Day has been a beacon of light to millions of people who find common ground and communicate through the values inherent in jazz. On April 30th, people of all ages in all corners of the globe will participate in International Jazz Day. A wide range of momentous events will take place in thousands of neighborhoods – and the streets will be alive with the sounds of peace and freedom.”
Throughtout the day, many acclaimed musicians will also participate in a daylong series of free jazz performances, masterclasses, improvisational workshops, roundtable discussions, education programs, jam sessions and community outreach initiatives at schools, embassies, arts centers, hospitals, museums, social service agencies, jazz clubs, senior centers, metro stations, recreation centers and parks in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 190 countries on all seven continents on April 30.
Presented each year on April 30, in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations and 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 globes.
For more information about International Jazz Day and to register events on the official website, please visit
www.jazzday.com or
www.unesco.org/jazzday
