International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day International Jazz Day is celebrated worldwide on April 30, recognizing jazz as a force for peace. https://jazzday.com https://linktr.ee/intljazzday

05/29/2026

Part of our homage to International Jazz Day host city of Chicago was when Co-Artistic Director and Chicago native son, Kurt Elling took to the stage performing “Dat Dere” a tune written by Bobby Timmons with lyrics from the brilliant Chicago-born Oscar Brown, Jr. with a rhythm section including fellow Chicagoan Ernest Dawkins.

The full concert is streaming in 4k on YouTube for only a few more hours.

- Vocalsernest - Alto Sax
- Trumpet
- Piano
- Bass
- Drums

05/29/2026

Missed the livestream of the Jazz Day Opening Ceremony? Catch it right here!

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz President Tom Carter and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations Eliot Minchenberg kicked off International Jazz Day 2026 at the Chicago Opening Ceremony on April 30th.

Native Chicagoan Kurt Elling performed with Helen Sung followed by the legendary Herbie Hancock!

05/27/2026

“Jazz is freedom. It’s the freedom to express yourself honestly and to listen deeply to one another.” — Dee Dee Bridgewater

Please join us in wishing the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater, a very happy and joyous 🥰🥳

From Memphis roots to stages around the world, Dee Dee Bridgewater has carried jazz as both an art form and a conversation. Whether interpreting standards, exploring African rhythms, or speaking on culture and equality, her work connects improvisation with community — the idea that every voice matters, every musician listens, and every performance becomes a shared exchange.

Across decades of music, theater, and advocacy, Bridgewater has spoken about jazz not only as sound, but as a democratic spirit built on dialogue, risk, and respect.

Dee Dee has been part of the International Jazz Global Celebrations since its inception in 2012 and serves
on the Board of Trustrees of the .

“Spain” 2024 All-Star Global Concert from Tangier:
-vocals
- bass
-guitar
- drums
- flute
- percussion

05/27/2026

“Jazz is about living in the moment and telling the truth with your instrument.” — Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Please join us in wishing 7-time Grammy winner including 4 Latin Grammys, Gonzalo Rubalcaba a very happy birthday!🎉. We were delighted he returned to our global stage in Chicago on April 30.

From Havana conservatories to stages around the world, Gonzalo Rubalcaba has built a career defined by fearless improvisation, rhythmic complexity, and deep lyricism. His playing carries the influence of Cuban musical traditions while moving fluidly through jazz, classical music, and Afro-Cuban forms with remarkable precision and emotion. Across decades of recordings and collaborations, his music continues to bridge traditions while pushing modern jazz forward.

“Caravan”
- piano
- basstorres.5015 - trombone
- drums

05/26/2026

Today we celebrate Miles Davis centennial birthday.

Marcus Miller, John Beasley and Mino Cinelu (and of course Herbie Hancock) all performed or recorded with Miles Davis. It was most fitting to have performed the title track from the album ‘Tutu’ written by Marcus at the 2026 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert. “Tutu” is a tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu who was a human rights and anti-apartheid activist His message still resonates today.








05/21/2026

During the International Jazz Day celebration in Chicago, takes us back to where he grew up — where he first discovered the magic of jazz and inspired his composition “Watermelon Man.”

05/20/2026

“Jazz is a living language.” — Emmet Cohen

From the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert is joined by and on vibes.

In addition during International Jazz Day week in Chicago, Emmet conducted a compelling masterclass on “How to Listen to Music? — This is Jazz” accompanied by the Fellows.

Both the concert and the Masterclass are streaming in 4k on youtube.com/jazzday.  

05/18/2026

Thank you to all the artists and our wonderful team that brought their creative energy, love, talent, harmony and collaboration to the 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day in Chicago.
Goodwill Ambassador

05/15/2026

“You can’t put boundaries on music.” — Robert Glasper

At International Jazz Day, Robert Glasper has consistently represented the way jazz continues to evolve — connecting improvisation with hip-hop, soul, gospel, and contemporary Black music. Whether appearing alongside Herbie Hancock, collaborating with artists across genres, or bringing the spirit of Black Radio into global concert settings, Glasper’s presence reflects how wide the language of jazz has become.

He has appeared as part of multiple International Jazz Day celebrations over the years, including our 2013 edition in Istanbul, 2016 White House concert, 2018 in St Petersburg and April 30 in Chicago

Glasper’s performances at International Jazz Day feel rooted in conversation — between generations, traditions, and modern sounds. The piano remains at the center, but the influences stretch far beyond one category, which is part of why his work continues to resonate with generations of audiences.

“Silly Rabbit”





05/14/2026

The brilliant Brazilian vocalist Bia Ferreira joined us for the first time on the Global stage in Chicago singing her powerful “Antes De Ir” —a song which serves as a reminder to be mindful with one’s words.
Watch the full International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert in 4k at youtube.com/jazzday
- vocals/guitar
- piano, musical director
- bass
- drums
- percussion
Leonard Brown - guitar

05/13/2026

Please join us in wishing Stevie Wonder a joyous 76 🎉

15 years ago on April 30, Stevie joined .mahadevan + to perform “As” for our finale for the very first International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert from the

Address

3 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY
10017

Website

https://instagram.com/intljazzday

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when International Jazz Day posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to International Jazz Day:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category