Jazz Legend James Morrison joins local musicians to lead International Jazz Day street parade in Brisbane April 30

Australian multi-instrumentalist virtuoso James Morrison will join Brisbane jazz musicians in the Queen Street Mall at 12pm Monday April 30 to perform in a New Orleans inspired 2nd line street parade and all musicians are welcome to perform.

Jazz Queensland are presenting this event as part of celebrations around the world to mark the first annual International Jazz Day – an initiative created by world renowned jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Herbie Hancock.

The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.

Vice President of Jazz Queensland and trumpet player, Dan Quigley said the 2nd line street march was an ideal way to celebrate International Jazz Day.

"Jazz originated in New Orleans so the march is a great way to involve a lot of musicians while acknowledging the roots of jazz," Quigley said. 

"The marching brass band and singers will be playing songs from the traditional New Orleans repertoire. 
"James and I encourage members of the public to come and march with us." 

The parade will kick-off International Jazz Day at 12 noon in King George Square Brisbane on Monday 30 April, followed by an afternoon of events including performances by Scat Jazz Band, various local artists and also a Qld Jazz Archives public display at the State Library of Queensland Southbank.

This Brisbane International Jazz Day event is an initiative of Jazz Queensland in collaboration with, Jazzworx Music Institute, Brisbane Marketing, and Qld Jazz Archives.

If you are attending please register on facebook..

Jazz Qld is inviting registrations from Brisbane’s jazz musicians to participate in the New Orleans, 2nd line street march. If you would like to register as a performer as part of the Brisbane parade, please also complete the online registration form: www.jazzqueensland.com/ IJD/ . 

• All performers will be contacted via the email address you provide, to confirm your performance spot and provide full details including parade route, schedule and repertoire.
• All performers must be available in the inner city area of Brisbane, between 11:30am – 12:30pm Monday April 30.
• Secure storage will be provided for instrument cases
• Jazz Qld can not guarantee participation as a performer due to possible logistical limitations

If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact Jazz Qld Vice President Dan Quigley via email:dan@jazz.qld.edu.au

 Why International Jazz Day?

• 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.

Download poster for International Jazz Day, 30 April