Jazz lovers around the world are celebrating Monday, April 30, 2012 as
International Jazz Day, an initiative launched by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The ceremonies kicked off on Friday, April 27 at the
UNESCO House in Paris, France, with jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who is UNESCO's Good Will Ambassador for jazz around the world. The
Berklee Global Jazz Institute performed.
On Monday, April 30, 2012, a Sunrise Concert in New Orleans features Hancock, Terrence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Dianne Reeves and others. To view the video, click
here.
In New York City, there is an afternoon panel discussion at the
United Nations from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., entitled
Unlearning Intolerance. Among the panelists are Alexandra Yabrov, manager of
Sculler's Jazz Club, jazz saxophonist
Grace Kelly and Con Salso radio host and producer
Jose Masso.
On Monday evening there's a sunset concert at the
United Nations Assembly Hall, featuring Tony Bennett, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Danielo Perez, Esperanza Spalding and others. To view the live web cast, starting at 7:30 p.m., click
here.
For a list of jazz events around the world on International Jazz Day, click
here.
International Jazz Day is an outgrowth of
Jazz Appreciation Month organized each April by the
Smithsonian Institute.
In greater Boston, check out
Jazz Week International, organized by
JazzBoston.org. It runs from April 27 through May 6, 2012.
For year round details on jazz throughout Massachusetts, visit
MassJazz.com.
For tourist information visit
MassVacation.com.
