[Dixielandjazz] International Jazz Day

[Stephen G Barbone]

Luis Flores asked why April 30th was chosen for International Jazz Day.

Dear Luis:

Last year In November, at a UNESCO (United Nations Educational,  
Scientific and Cultural Organization) conference, they agreed to  
proclaim April 30 2012 as the first International Jazz Day and issued  
the following statement:


"The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community  
of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace,  
unity, 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."

The Director General, Irina Bokova then stated:

"Jazz has been a force for positive social transformation throughout  
its history, and it remains so today. This is why UNESCO created  
International Jazz Day. From its roots in slavery, this music has  
raised a passionate voice against all forms of oppression. It speaks a  
language of freedom that is meaningful to all cultures.The same goals  
guide UNESCO in its efforts to build bridges of dialogue and  
understanding between all cultures and societies."

The main commemorative events were launched in Paris on April 27  and  
then in New Orleans and New York on April 30: (Herbie Hancock  
performed at all 3 events)

Paris, France, 27 April

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador  
Herbie Hancock kicked-off the first annual International Jazz Day with  
a full day of events including live performances, Master Classes, and  
discussions featuring Marcus Miller, Barbara Hendricks, Hugh Masekela,  
Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others.


New Orleans, United States of America, 30 April 2012

Special sunrise concert in the birthplace of jazz, in the margins of  
the famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with Herbie Hancock,  
Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Kermit Ruffins, Bill  
Summers, Treme Brass Band, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Dr. Michael White,  
Luther Gray, Roland Guerin, and other special guests.



New York, United States of America, 30 April 2012

Co-hosted by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, US Ambassador to  
the United Nations Susan Rice, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie  
Hancock, this special evening concert at the United Nations General  
Assembly Hall will feature performances by Tony Bennett, Terence  
Blanchard, Richard Bona (Cameroon), Dee Dee Bridgewater, Candido,  
Robert Cray, Eli Degibri (Israel), Jack DeJohnette, Sheila E., Jimmy  
Heath, Zakir Hussain (India), Chaka Khan, Angelique Kidjo (Benin),  
Lang Lang (China), Romero Lubambo (Brazil), Shankar Mahadevan (India),  
Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Christian McBride,  
Danilo Pérez, Dianne Reeves, Bobby Sanabria, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza  
Spalding, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Hiromi (Japan), and others.  
George Duke will serve as Musical Director. Confirmed Co-Hosts include  
Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Quincy Jones.

To see a list of Jazz Day events around the world, go to:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/international-jazz-day/list-of-events-worldwide/

Note some of the comments, Serbia for example, plans to try anda get  
jazz music played all day in the busses and trains around Belgrade. Oh  
Oh, does that mean Kenny G? <grin>

Now, if we could get UNESCO to proclaim August 4 as  "Oh Yeah" day, we  
would really have something going for us. <grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband