Get jazzed up for International #JazzDay by learning some history of this day, watching the livestream of the 2018 All-Star Global Jazz Day Concert, by following our playlist of today's hottest jazz artists and by swinging by the Jazz Estate tonight.
The history
In 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its power to unite people in all corners of the globe.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
The concert
The 2018 All-Star Global Concert will feature nearly three dozen acclaimed jazz artists representing 14 countries:
Herbie Hancock (USA) and Igor Butman (Russia) will serve as co-artistic directors, and John Beasley (USA) will serve as musical director. Additional confirmed artists include:
Cyrille Aimée (France), Oleg Akkuratov (Russia), Till Brönner (Germany), Oleg Butman (Russia), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Joey DeFrancesco (USA), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Vadim Eilenkrig (Russia), Kurt Elling (USA), Antonio Faraò (Italy), James Genus (USA), Robert Glasper (USA), David Goloschyokin (Russia), Hassan Hakmoun (Morocco), Gilad Hekselman (Israel), Horacio Hernandez (Cuba), Taku Hirano (Japan), Anatoly Kroll (Russia), Gaoyang Li (China), Rudresh Mahanthappa (USA), The Manhattan Transfer (USA), Branford Marsalis (USA), James Morrison (Australia), Moscow Jazz Orchestra (Russia), Makoto Ozone (Japan), Danilo Pérez (Panama), Dianne Reeves (USA), Lee Ritenour (USA), Luciana Souza (Brazil) and Ben Williams (USA), among others.
Watch it live at 3 p.m. here.
The place to be in Milwaukee
Celebrate at the Jazz Estate tonight with a Wisconsin jazz history lesson and a show by The Manty Ellis Trio.
Kurt Dietrich, author of "Wisconsin Riffs: Jazz Profiles from the Heartland," will be doing a book talk tonight at 7 p.m. to talk about his extensive, upbeat compilation of jazz musician biographies. Learn the history of iconic musicians such as Bunny Berigan, Woody Herman, Les Paul and Al Jarreau who pioneered Wisconsin’s rich association the genre since its inception in the early 1900s.
After Dietrich’s talk, stay for a set from the legendary Manty Ellis and his trio at 8 p.m.
The playlist
Jazz isn't dead. 88Nine's Tarik Moody, host of Rhythm Lab Radio, curated a playlist to prove it. You're welcome. Discover the artists of today, yesterday and from around the world that are keeping the genre fresh.