International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day History

International Jazz Day is a global celebration honouring the culture, history, and transformative power of jazz music. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the significant role of jazz and its potential to inspire social change, foster intercultural dialogue, and unite people from diverse backgrounds. By spotlighting the art form of jazz, International Jazz Day seeks to promote the values of freedom, creativity, and expression that jazz embodies, while also showcasing its ability to break down barriers, promote peace, and enhance global cooperation.

The origin of International Jazz Day dates back to 2011 when it was officially designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) along with the support of legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who currently serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Laying its foundation, International Jazz Day was created to encourage the international community to embrace the virtues of jazz music and utilise it as a tool for education, diplomacy, and fostering unity.

Since its inauguration, International Jazz Day has rapidly grown in scope and popularity, with celebrations held in more than 190 countries worldwide, including Australia. Various events, workshops, and concerts are organised to commemorate this day and bring communities, artists, historians, and enthusiasts together in a shared appreciation of jazz. It is celebrated each year on the 30th of April.

Facts about International Jazz Day

• Each year a host city is chosen to celebrate International Jazz Day. In 2022, Cape Town, South Africa was chosen.
• International Jazz Day in 2021 was supposed to be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa. Instead, it was hosted virtually online due to restrictions from Covid-19.
• Nobody knows for sure where the word jazz originated. It is widely believed to come from the slang word jasm, though this is not confirmed.
• Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, witnessed Australia's International Jazz Day celebrations, an event celebrated in over 190 countries around the world.
• Sydney, Australia, assembled an All-Star Global Concert at the Sydney Opera House in 2019, featuring numerous performances by internationally acclaimed artists from more than 30 countries. Over 50 world-renowned artists from all over the world came together, bringing jazz music to Australia's most iconic venue.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Jazz Day

Top things to do in Australia for International Jazz Day

• Attend the international Jazz Day Global Concert in Washington DC. The concert features internationally renowned jazz musicians. It is also broadcasted across the US on ABC and streamed around the world by the UN and UNESCO.
• Visit the Jazz in the Domain Festival in Sydney. This free outdoor festival features some of Australia's most impressive Jazz musicians.
• Visit the Jazz Quarter in Brisbane. It a popular destination for jazz enthusiasts. Brisbane's jazz quarter offers a range of venues that feature live music.