Festivities start at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 27 April with a series of master classes, round tables, improvisational classes, and various other jazz –related activities. That evening UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock will headline a concert with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marcus Miller, Hugh Masekela, Lionel Loueke, Tania Maria, Barbara Hendricks, Gerald Clayton, Terri Lyne Carrington, China Moses, Ben Williams, Antonio Hart and others. John Beasley will serve as musical director.

On 30 April, focus switches to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where a special concert will take place in Congo Square just after sunrise. It will feature a number of jazz luminaries along with Hancock including Dianne Reeves, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, New Orleans natives Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Bill Summers, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White, Luther Gray and Roland Guerin.

That same evening, another concert will be held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, hosted by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and featuring Richard Bona, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Danilo Perez, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Heath, Zakir Hussain, Angelique Kidjo, Lang Lang, Romero Lubambo, Shankar Mahadevan, Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Hiromi and others. George Duke will serve as musical director. Confirmed co-hosts include Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Quincy Jones.

For Herbie Hancock, “jazz continues to be a beacon of hope and strength for millions. People around the world have long proclaimed their fundamental right to freedom through the music. International Jazz Day will educate the minds, uplift the spirits, and enhance the creativity of young people in our small villages and bustling cities. Years ago I spoke about the future of jazz musicians connecting globally through the internet and social media–it was a dream on the horizon–and I am thrilled that International Jazz Day will make this a reality. Our endeavors will help perpetuate the music and guarantee this rich cultural heritage remains a benchmark for others to follow”.

For UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, “the designation of International Jazz Day is intended to bring together communities, schools and other groups the world over to celebrate and learn more about the art of jazz, its roots and its impact and to highlight its important role as a means of communication that transcends differences”

Jazz originated in the southern United States but has its roots in Africa. In the 20th century, it spread around the world, evolving, adapting and fusing with diverse indigenous and local musical traditions. Jazz was also the language of resistance for many societies facing totalitarianism. In many countries, jazz became the symbol of freedom for the dissidents.

Today, jazz has become an international art form; defying definition, it speaks many languages and has become a unifying force for its adherents regardless of race, religion, ethnic or national origin.

International Jazz Day aims to promote intercultural dialogue towards eradication of racial tensions, foster gender equality and reinforce the role of youth for social change.