Every year, on April 30th, the entire planet vibrates to the rhythm of jazz and soul on the occasion of International Jazz Day. More than just a musical genre, jazz embodies a history, a culture, and above all, a universal language capable of bringing people together.
INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION BORN OF A STRONG VISION
Proclaimed in November 2011 by UNESCO at the initiative of the legendary Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for dialogue, cohesion, and peace. Far from being limited to music, this day celebrates a state of mind: that of freedom of expression and the meeting of cultures.
A GLOBAL EVENT OF IMPRESSIVE DIMENSIONS
Recognized by the UN General Assembly, Jazz Day is now celebrated in over 190 countries. Concerts, workshops, educational programs, and cultural events punctuate this day, which has become one of the world’s largest musical celebrations. According to UNESCO, jazz is a true tool in the fight against discrimination, promoting tolerance and human rights through education and artistic creation.
HISTORIC CONCERTS SINCE 2012 Since its first edition in 2012, International Jazz Day has made its mark with exceptional programming. In partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, three iconic concerts have been organized: at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, at sunrise in New Orleans, and at sunset at the UN in New York. On stage, legends like Tony Bennett, George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter, and Stevie Wonder have shared the spotlight, alongside cinema figures like Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Quincy Jones.
THE UNMISSABLE MEETING: THE ALL-STAR CONCERT The highlight of this day, the famous All-Star Global Concert brings together the greatest jazz and soul artists each year. Streamed globally from a different host city, this event embodies the essence of Jazz Day: music without borders.
In 2026, Chicago hosts this exceptional concert. A prestigious lineup graces the stage: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Jacob Collier, Kurt Elling, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, and Lizz Wright. Good news: if you’re not heading out tonight, you can watch the concert live on YouTube, as well as on UNESCO, UNTV, and several international partner platforms.
JAZZ, A LIVING AND COMMITTED MUSIC More than just a musical style, jazz remains a powerful symbol of freedom, improvisation, and cultural resistance today. From its Afro-American roots to its global reach, it continues to influence soul, hip-hop, and many other contemporary genres.
By celebrating this day, the world pays tribute to a music that transcends epochs without ever losing its essence: bringing together, inspiring, and fostering dialogue between cultures.
