International Jazz Day

FORUM : ''The power of jazz in fostering intercultural dialogue, unity and artistic exchange.'' International Jazz Day 2026 . Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The celebration highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year. UNESCO appointed Herbie Hancock as Goodwill Ambassador in 2011 for his commitment to intercultur...

Renowned musicians from around the world will gather on 30 April in the US city of Chicago for an All-Star Global Concert to mark International Jazz Day . The concert, now in its 15th edition, brings together celebrated artists and audiences to reaffirm the power of jazz in fostering intercultural dialogue, unity and artistic exchange. Related Sites and Documents:  International Jazz Day Website  &  Press Release . Watch the 2026 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concerts! Concerts

The global celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 culminates in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE) , John Beasley (USA) , Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA) , A Bu (China) , Terri Lyne Carrington (USA) , Kurt Elling (USA) , José James (USA) , Rhani Krija (Morocco) , John McLaughlin (UK) , Hélène Mercier (France/Canada) , Marcus Miller (USA) , Linda May Han Oh (Australia) , John Pizzarelli (USA) , Dianne Reeves (USA) , Arturo Sandoval (USA) , Naseer Shamma (Iraq) , Danilo Pérez (Panama) , and Varijashree Venugopal (India) . Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. About the International Jazz Day: Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations G...

The 14th edition of International Jazz Day will be celebrated in more than 190 countries on April 30th , with Abu Dhabi selected as the Global Host City. Organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz , this celebration will feature concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. “ We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city’s rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents, ” declared UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), a UNESCO Creative City of Music, will serve as a vibrant center of this worldwide celebration. A five-week, citywide series of jazz performances, education programmes and community events will take place in the city, including the internationally broadcast International Jazz Day 2025 All-Star Global Conc...

Building on the momentum of International Jazz Day , Jazz Month Abu Dhabi will extend the global festivities and reinforce jazz’s presence in the region. It will include live performances, pop-up concerts, workshops, artist residencies, and educational events, underscoring jazz’s connections to diverse musical traditions and artistic disciplines. Activities will be held at major cultural and educational institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi , Berklee Abu Dhabi , and New York University Abu Dhabi , along with hospitals, senior centers, children’s libraries, and schools. Special performances will highlight jazz’s integration with traditional instruments such as the oud, qanoon, and ney , showcasing the ongoing dialogue between jazz and local cultural expressions. This year’s International Jazz Day also coincides with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi , a global, annual gathering that brings together a collective of creative thinkers, decision-makers, artists, designers, changemakers, ...

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The annual International Jazz Day celebration on April 30th , highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programmes , Jazz performances , community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year.