International Jazz Day scheduled for April 30

Founded in 2011, International Jazz Day salutes the genre’s role in uniting people in all corners of the globe.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day, which is chaired and led by UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist-composer (and Chicago native) Herbie Hancock. He serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and is chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the nonprofit group that plans, produces and promotes the annual celebration.

International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, jazz is recognized for promoting peace, cultural dialogue, diversity, human rights, gender equality and free speech.

International Jazz Day culminates with Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.