International Jazz Day
Join your community in appreciating and recognizing the rich culture and heritage of jazz. Visit a local jazz club, or revisit some of the greatest musicians in history.
Activate music lovers and cultural enthusiasts in April with live jazz experiences, educational content, and community events that drive foot traffic to venues and build brand affinity around artistic heritage.
- Host a live jazz concert or jam session to celebrate International Jazz Day and attract music enthusiasts to your venue
- Create educational content about jazz history and legendary musicians to engage audiences and position your brand as a cultural curator
- Partner with local jazz artists for exclusive performances or workshops that drive community engagement and social media buzz
- Launch a 'Jazz Appreciation' campaign offering special promotions at bars, restaurants, or music venues during April
It all began in 2011 when the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization declared International Jazz Day as an opportunity to give recognition to jazz music and state its role to unite people all around the globe.
It’s been going strong ever since and people look forward to this day each year when music lovers from around the world can share in the experience of listening to and making jazz music.
The idea emerged from jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Together, the UNESCO Director-General and Hancock chair the event and ensure people from all over come out to participate in the celebration each year.
Cities such as Paris, New Orleans, and New York were some of the first to begin to educate the public on the event and draw excitement to Jazz Day. The Host City goes as far as to organize an All-Star Global Concert which brings together over two-dozen jazz musicians from all parts of the world in or around a historical landmark.
It’s interesting to know that the popularity of the day has grown immensely over the years. Now, nearly 200 countries participate in International Jazz Day.
You can visit just about any location and hear and experience jazz music at its finest. You’ll witness artists and onlookers expressing themselves in their own unique and individual way. Not only will there be music present at the event, but organizers are also planning an extensive educational and community outreach program for people to participate in and as a way for them to expand their knowledge.
Attend a Jazz Concert
For example, there may be live concerts and events to attend, and people might want to host their own parties. Not only are there concerts and events taking place internationally, but many will also hold jam sessions and educational workshops and conferences, as well as organize community outreach programs.
Learn More About Jazz
Anyone can locate and access jazz educational materials from the International Jazz Day website to help them run their event. The public shouldn’t be afraid to insert themselves in the conversation and start an event or discussion around the topic to help create awareness around the day.
Play Some Jazz Music
The common denominator is that there will be a lot of jazz music to be heard and played. It’s an opportunity for those unfamiliar with this type of music to get more acquainted with it and learn about its roots and history. One can witness people of all ages and backgrounds moving to the music and enjoying themselves while the performers work hard to put on a show that anyone can appreciate.
Show Some Appreciation for Music
International Jazz Day is undoubtedly a celebration to be aware of and take part in if a person is looking to expand their horizons and musical knowledge. There’s so much to see and take in around the globe when this day rolls around. It’s a time to appreciate the musicians and their talents and bring people together to experience this particular type of music without any judgment. Go ahead and give one of these events or jam sessions a try and see for oneself how engaging jazz music is and witness its ability to bring together people from across the globe and find common ground. Let this year be the year that people let their guards down and allow themselves to experience the day by listening, conversing, and moving their bodies to the wonderful sounds of jazz!