International Jazz Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Observed annually on April 30, this day promotes the roots and intercultural influence of jazz. All. That. Jazz. Many consider it “America’s classical music.” In fact, jazz originated in New Orleans over a century ago. Herbie Hancock, a legendary jazz pianist and composer, collaborated with the United Nations in 2011 to establish International Jazz Day. Continue reading for a musical examination of a uniquely American art form, and don’t miss our listing of four interesting jazz subgenres.

The background of International Jazz Day

In 2012, the first International Jazz Day was celebrated, with prominent events taking place in Paris, New Orleans, and New York.Herbie Hancock wanted to celebrate the diplomatic role of jazz in unifying people all around the world, and thus International Jazz Day was born. Countries from Argentina to Zambia throw jam sessions, music clinics, concerts and more, each with their own unique cultural flavor.In 2017, more than 190 countries hosted events for enthusiasts of all skill levels and sub-genres. A major focus of International Jazz Day is community outreach and education. Thanks to UNESCO, beginners and advanced players can access lessons on writing blues music, Indian rhythms, the mathematics of music and moreEach year, one city is selected for the annual Global Host celebration. Everything culminates in one incredible performance. The All-Star Global Concert has featured some of the best jazz musicians from around the world, including Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper, and Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.

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DAY OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ ACTIVITIES

Consider the greats

Honouring the musicians who helped define the genre is the best way to celebrate International Jazz Day, regardless of whether you are new to jazz or a fan of the classics. Start by exploring the works of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.

Attend a performance

World-wide concerts are performed to commemorate International Jazz Day. Why not host your own event if none is available nearby? Even registration on the International Jazz Day website is possible.

Take some training

There are learning opportunities everywhere, including on Yelp and on the streets of your neighbourhood. The difficult decision will be which instrument to play!

4 COOL JAZZ SUBGENRES YOU MUST Investigate

Latin Jazz substitutes a drum kit with congas, bongos, or timbales to create a Latin American-style rhythm.

This subgenre is characterised by its emphasis on improvisation and experimentation, and is comprised of avant-garde art music and jazz instruments.

Swing music is rhythmically driven and extremely danceable, with a strong rhythm section. Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole are well-known pop vocalists associated with the swing movement.

Soul jazz fuses blues, soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues into music with repetitive rhythms and bluesy harmonies.

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	April 30	Sunday
2024	April 30	Tuesday
2025	April 30	Wednesday
2026	April 30	Thursday
2027	April 30	Friday