The United Nations (UN)’s International Jazz Day is annually observed across the globe on 30th April to create awareness about the significance of jazz as an educational tool, and its role in promoting peace and dialogue among people from diverse cultures.
The theme of International Jazz Day 2023 is “A Jazz Journey around the World”.
Major support for International Jazz Day is provided by the Doris Duke Foundation, with additional, generous support from the Ford Foundation.
Background:
i.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference, 36th Session, adopted the resolution UNESCO 36 C/Resolution 39 in November 2011, and proclaimed 30th April of every year as “International Jazz Day”.
- The first-ever International Jazz Day was observed on 30th April 2012.
ii.In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day.
Events of International Jazz Day:
International Jazz Day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
All-Star Global Concert:
i.UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock hosted the All-Star Global Concert, the flagship program of the International Jazz Day, featuring performances in 13 global cities.
ii.The concert features the jazz performances from Austria to Zimbabwe, highlighting the power of jazz in bridging differences and promoting unity and peace through intercultural dialogue and collaboration.
Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) – April
i.Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is a music festival held every April in Canada and the United States, in honor of jazz as an early American art form
ii.Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) was initiated by John Edward Hasse, curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2001, to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz.
iii.The observance of JAM aims to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings
