President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host an International Jazz Day 2016 all-star global concert at the White House on Friday, April 29. This all-star global concert will be televised on ABC on Saturday, April 30 at 7:00 pm CDT. It is for the Fifth Annual International Jazz Day Worldwide Celebration, recognizing Jazz and its significant role in cultural diplomacy.
“We are thrilled that President Obama and Michelle Obama are hosting the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House, and are truly grateful for their commitment to jazz and its role in building bridges and uniting people around the world,” said UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. “Over the past five years, the innovation and creativity of Jazz Day has been a beacon of light to millions of people who find common ground and communicate through the values inherent in jazz. On April 30th, people of all ages in all corners of the globe will participate in International Jazz Day. A wide range of momentous events will take place in thousands of neighborhoods – and the streets will be alive with the sounds of peace and freedom.”
The concert will featuring Hancock, along with Esperanza Spalding, Al Jarreau, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Trombone Shorty, Diana Krall, Hugh Masekela, Buddy Guy, Chick Corea, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Joey Alexander, Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jamie Cullum, Kurt Elling, Robert Glasper, Zakir Hussain, Lionel Loueke, Christian McBride, John McLaughlin, James Morrison, Danilo Pérez, Rebirth Brass Band, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, David Sánchez, Chucho Valdés, Bobby Watson, Ben Williams, and others. John Beasley will serve as the evening’s Musical Director.
Washington, D.C. has been selected to serve as the 2016 Global Host City for International Jazz Day. Presented each year on April 30th in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe. The day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
Washington, D.C. is the birthplace of the great jazz pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, and the city has enjoyed a thriving jazz scene for the past century. Many acclaimed musicians and educators will participate in a daylong series of free jazz performances, master classes, improvisational workshops, roundtable discussions, education programs, jam sessions, and community outreach initiatives at schools, embassies, arts centers, hospitals, museums, social service agencies, jazz clubs, senior centers, metro stations, recreation centers and parks across Washington, D.C. on April 30th.
These programs in Washington, D.C. will be among the thousands of International Jazz Day live performances, educational activities, and community service programs taking place in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 190 countries on all seven continents. For more information about International Jazz Day, please visit the website at www.jazzday.com.
