April 30 the Fifth Annual International Jazz Day, with the concert being streamed around the world by the United Nations and UNESCO.
In recognition of the importance of music, President Obama and Michelle Obama are hosting an All-Star Global Concert at the White House Featuring Herbie Hancock, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Trombone Shorty, Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Hugh Masekela, Buddy Guy, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny and many others on International Jazz Day 2016
The fifth annual International Jazz Day, All-Star Global Concert at the White House on April 29th will feature artists from around the world paying tribute to the truly American art form of jazz.
Washington, D.C. is the 2016 Global Host City, 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.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock said, “We are thrilled that President Obama and Michelle Obama are hosting the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House, and are truly grateful for their commitment to jazz and its role in building bridges and uniting people around the world. 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 neighbourhoods – and the streets will be alive with the sounds of peace and freedom.”
These programs in Washington, D.C. will be among the thousands of International Jazz Day live performances, educational activities, and community service programs taking place in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 190 countries on all seven continents.
“Jazz was born in the US and traveled the world as a music of tolerance, freedom and human dignity. This is why UNESCO created International Jazz Day. This event reminds us Jazz is more than music – it is a universal message of peace with rhythm and meaning,” declared the Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.
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.
For more information about International Jazz Day and for events on the official website, please visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.
Page edited 1/5/2016 to include a video link to the White House concert.
