Massachusetts Celebrates Jazz Month & International Jazz Day on April 30

Governor Charlie Baker has declared April 2017 to be Jazz Month in Massachusetts,  a tribute to the state's vibrant, year-round jazz scene.  Governor Baker called jazz "one of America's most treasured exports, connecting races, cultures and continents."

The proclamation coincides with "Jazz Week 2017," organized each year by JazzBoston, a non-profit organization that promotes jazz year round in greater Boston.

Another resource for jazz lovers is MassJazz.com at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, a year round marketing effort to promote the state's jazz performance and education.  

Sunday, April 30 is International Jazz Day, which is organized by UNESCO each year to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the world. 

For information about visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Greats Branford Marsalis Quartet with Kurt Elling Performs at Cary Hall in Lexington on April 28

Spectacle Management is presenting the Branford Marsalis Quartet with jazz vocalist Kurt Elling at Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

Tickets are $79-$59 and are on sale now at caryhalllexington.com or by calling 617-531-1257.

Regarded as among the most creative and exciting musicians of this generation, Marsalis and Elling joined forces in 2016 to create Upward Spirit, an ambitious album that has been nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal album.

The top flight quartet consists of saxophonist Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner.

Here is a schedule of upcoming show presented by Spectacle Management, a full-service booking, marketing and promotion company with offices in Boston and Lexington.

For more jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com. 

Cuba Con Salsa Features Pedrito Martinez Group. at Boston's Cutler Majestic

WBUR is celebrating the rich heritage of Cuban music at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the Emerson Cultler Majestic Theatre.  

Robin Young, co-host of Here & Now, and José Massó, host of ¡Con Salsa!, emcee the event.

The evening features multiple performances by the Grammy Award-nominated Pedrito Martinez Group. 

Ned Sublette, author of “Cuba and its Music” and award-winning Cuban singer Gema Corredera will discuss the origins of Cuban music and its influences. Corredera will also join Pedrito Martinez for the final number. 

The event will be recorded live and broadcast throughout the Greater Boston Area. 

For year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.  

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard + E Collective Perform at UMass Amherst on April 8

Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard performs with his new quintet, The E-Collective, at the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017. 

Tickets are $25-35, and $10 for local students from the five colleges.  To order, call the box office at 413 545-2511 or 800-999-UMAS.  

A native of New Orleans, Terence Blanchard is a multiple Grammy Award winning musician and composer who has recorded more than 30 albums.  His latest album is Breathless (Blue Note), recorded with the E-Collective. 

Here is a full lineup of upcoming concerts at the Fine Arts Center. 

For year round jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.