About International Jazz Day
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30th each year as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people in all corners of the globe.
Established at the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide to celebrate jazz and highlight the music’s important role in encouraging dialogue, combating discrimination and promoting human dignity.
This special day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, and reinforce international cooperation and communication.
- Did you know? In 1949, a contest for a new term to replace ‘jazz’ featured such suggestions as ‘bix-e-bop’, ‘swixibop’, ‘ragtibop’, ‘schmoosic’, 'jarb' and ‘le hot’.
International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than two billion people annually on all seven continents, including Antarctica, through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media.
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is UNESCO’s official partner in the organization and promotion of International Jazz Day.
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