All-Star
Global Concert Will Be Televised on ABC on April 30 for the Fifth Annual
International Jazz Day Worldwide Celebration Recognizing Jazz and Its
Significant Role in Cultural Diplomacy
Paris and
Washington, D.C. - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill
Ambassador Herbie Hancockare pleased to announce the fifth annual International
Jazz Day, which will be celebrated around the world on April 30, 2016.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obamawill host the 5th
anniversary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House
on April 29th and this spectacular event will be broadcast on International
Jazz Day as a one-hour primetime ABC television special, "Jazz at the
White House," on Saturday evening, April 30th and streamed on the United
Nations, UNESCO, U.S. State Department and White House websites. The concert
will feature an extraordinary array of artists from around the world paying
tribute to the truly American art form of jazz.
Washington,
D.C. has been selected to serve as the 2016 Global Host City, and International
Jazz Day programs are made possible by Toyota, the 2016 Lead Partner. Presented
each year on April 30th in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of
Jazz, International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for
freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and
understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe. The day is
recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
The All-Star
Global Concert at the White House will feature stellar performances by Joey
Alexander, Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner,
Terri Lyne Carrington, Chick Corea, Jamie Cullum, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin,
Robert Glasper, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain, Al
Jarreau, Diana Krall, Lionel Loueke,Hugh Masekela, Christian McBride, John
McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, James Morrison, Danilo Pérez, Rebirth
Brass Band, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, David Sánchez,Wayne Shorter, Esperanza
Spalding, Sting, Trombone Shorty, Chucho Valdés, Bobby Watson,Ben Williams and
others, with further details to be announced shortly. John Beasley will serve
as the evening's Musical Director.
UNESCO
Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock said, "We are thrilled that President
Obama and Michelle Obama are hosting the International Jazz Day All-Star Global
Concert at the White House, and are truly grateful for their commitment to jazz
and its role in building bridges and uniting people around the world. Over the
past five years, the innovation and creativity of Jazz Day has been a beacon of
light to millions of people who find common ground and communicate through the
values inherent in jazz. On April 30th, people of all ages in all corners of
the globe will participate in International Jazz Day. A wide range of momentous
events will take place in thousands of neighborhoods - and the streets will be
alive with the sounds of peace and freedom."
Many
acclaimed musicians and educators will participate in a daylong series of free
jazz performances, master classes, improvisational workshops, roundtable
discussions, education programs, jam sessions, and community outreach
initiatives at schools, embassies, arts centers, hospitals, museums, social
service agencies, jazz clubs, senior centers, metro stations, recreation centers
and parks across Washington, D.C. on April 30th. These programs in Washington,
D.C. will be among the thousands of International Jazz Day live performances,
educational activities, and community service programs taking place in all 50
U.S. states and in more than 190 countries on all seven continents.
"Jazz
was born in the US and traveled the world as a music of tolerance, freedom and
human dignity. This is why UNESCO created International Jazz Day and we are
extremely pleased that in 2016 Washington, DC has been designated the host city
for this global celebration, with a unique All Star Concert at the White House,
hosted by the President of the United States Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama. This event reminds us Jazz is more than music - it is a
universal message of peace with rhythm and meaning," declared the Director
General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.
The
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is once again working with UNESCO and its
field offices, national commissions, networks, Associated Schools, universities
and institutes, public radio and public television stations, and NGOs to ensure
their involvement and participation in International Jazz Day 2016.
Additionally, in countries throughout the world, libraries, schools,
universities, performing arts venues, community centers, artists, and arts
organizations of all disciplines will be celebrating the day through
presentations, concerts, and other jazz-focused programs.
According to
Tom Carter, President of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz,
"International Jazz Day places a strong emphasis on education programs and
community service. Many of these worldwide programs are now provided year-round
in big cities, small towns, and even remote villages. It is a testament to all
those involved with International Jazz Day that we are reaching people on every
continent, including some of the most vulnerable and challenged individuals and
communities."
As part of
the International Jazz Day worldwide celebration, the Thelonious Monk Institute
of Jazz will launch Math, Science & Music, a groundbreaking education
platform with free, engaging curricula, games, apps and other online elements
that use music as a tool to teach math and science to K-12 and college
students. The program will address the growing need for students to gain skills
and knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and
learn to think creatively. The Institute is collaborating with international
math, science and music experts at seven leading universities to develop the
program, which initially will be offered in English, and in later years will be
available in other United Nations languages. Math, Science & Music will
debut earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 26 at a presentation at the U.S.
Department of Education hosted by Secretary of Education John King.
For more information about International Jazz Day and to register events on the official website, please visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.
For more information about International Jazz Day and to register events on the official website, please visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.