Every year, International Jazz Day is celebrated on April 30 to raise awareness about the art of jazz music. The International Day celebrates the rich history and diversity of jazz music through a series of events, concerts, workshops and educational programs held in cities worldwide. Jazz is a uniquely American art form that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily among African American communities in the Southern United States. As per records, nearly 200 countries participate in International Jazz Day each year. The host city for International Jazz Day 2024 is Tangier, which is located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Tangier is known as a melting pot of cultural expressions and boasts a long, rich history of jazz. International Jazz Day: Explore Fascinating Trivia and Fun Facts About the Iconic Musical Genre.

International Jazz Day History

International Jazz Day was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011. The day was established to highlight jazz and its role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. The idea to form the day came from jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Jazz Day is chaired by Hancock and the UNESCO Director-General and the celebration is recognized on the calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, formerly the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, an American NGO also chaired by Hancock, is the lead organizational partner for Jazz Day. The Institute coordinates activities in the UNESCO member states as well as the Global Host Celebration. Events in the Host City culminate in an All-Star Global Concert, which involves numerous jazz musicians from around the world performing in or around a historical landmark.

International Jazz Day Significance

International Jazz Day is an important global event that honours the legacy of jazz pioneers while inspiring future generations to embrace the jazz genre. On this day, several events like concerts and jam sessions, workshops, conferences, and community outreach events are held around the world to promote the art form.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2024 08:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).