The Marseille Jazz Festival of five continents organizes “Ici jazz kids,” a day of jazz initiation for 5,000 children on April 30.
On the occasion of International Jazz Day, celebrated worldwide on April 30, Marseille will become a grand stage for the youngest. Under the auspices of the Marseille Jazz Festival of five continents, in partnership with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute, the event “Ici jazz kids” offers a total immersion in the world of jazz for more than 5,000 students from Marseille. This initiative aims to make this universal musical language accessible from a young age.
A massive mobilization across the entire territory
On April 30, the city will resonate with the rhythm of 19 concerts organized simultaneously in 16 different locations, involving a total of 61 musicians. The setup is exceptional: the performances will take place directly in the heart of schools, with 12 participating schools, as well as in cultural partner venues like the Astronef Theater or Le Talus, and even within the Salvator hospital (AP-HM). This initiative seeks to place jazz at the center of children’s daily lives and create a collective and immersive artistic experience.
An educational and creative adventure
Beyond the concerts, the project has a strong educational dimension. A total of 37 mediation actions are planned, including writing workshops. These workshops will allow students to imagine a dialogue with the legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, the patron of the global event, by sending him thousands of postcards through his foundation. This “Great Jazz Correspondence” aims to bring together artists, educational teams, and families around the values of sharing and cultural openness.
“Ici Jazz Kids confirms the commitment of the Marseille Jazz Festival of five continents to artistic creation and access to culture for all. It aims to promote cultural dialogue, support artists, and impart a passion for jazz. In a troubled world, art and culture continue to nurture the connection,” highlights Hugues Kieffer, the festival director.
An eclectic program for all tastes
The program has been designed to offer a rich and varied snapshot of the many facets of jazz. Children will discover various forms ranging from interactive concerts to musical tales and multidisciplinary performances. Some of the proposals include: – Sachem – The Jazz Child: a nomadic and ecological jazz mixing improvisation and instruments made from recycled objects. – Brass Band Organisée: a festive brass band inspired by the energy of New Orleans, accompanying the first steps of the Bernard Cadenat school’s marching band. – The Tales of Edgar: a poetic musical story blending narration and improvisation. – Banjo Groove Memory Kids: a creation specially adapted for the children of the Salvator hospital, drawing from Afro-diasporic cultures, hip-hop, and dub. – Origins Trio – Ahamada Smis: a musical journey to the Indian Ocean where Comorian traditions meet slam and jazz.
This day aims to awaken the curiosity of the youngest, promote the local artistic scene, and reaffirm the place of jazz as a vector of dialogue and peace.
The detailed program of the “Ici jazz kids” day is available on the festival’s official website: https://www.marseillejazz.com/ici-jazz-kids/
