International Jazz Day

As the great Nina Simone said, "Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking". The story of Jazz is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. UNESCO believes in the power of Jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding and this is why in November 2011, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as "International Jazz Day".

This Day is intended to raise awareness of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for empathy, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music will embrace the opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.

Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression;
Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities;
Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones;
Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies.

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International Jazz Day Thursday 30 April 2020 live stream schedule

Schedule of Free Masterclasses, Children’s Activities and Panel Discussions:

Language	Format	Artist	UTC
Chinese	Masterclass	A Bu	10:00
Arabic	Masterclass	Tarek Yamani	13:00
Spanish	Masterclass	Danilo Pérez	15:00
Russian	Masterclass	Igor Butman	15:30
French	Children’s activity	Dee Dee Bridgewater	16:00
English	Children’s activity	Oran Etkin	16:30
English	Panel	Nate Chinen, Sibongile Khumalo, Marcus Miller	17:30
English	Masterclass	Lwanda Gogwana	18:00
		Global Concert featuring Herbie Hancock and artists from across the globe	19:00

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

"In the peculiar circumstances of this International Jazz Day, as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, music is bringing people together and helping to keep hope alive. "

— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Jazz Day

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Submissions from the global International Jazz Day community in honor of #JazzDay 2020. Many of these videos were created while under quarantine or self-isolation. We are grateful for this incredible show of creativity and solidarity from our friends in 195 countries worldwide.