Since its inaugural edition in 2011, International Jazz Day has inspired local celebrations around the globe every April 30 — and gathered an array of boldface names for an All-Star Global Concert, in a succession of host cities.
For the last couple of years, pandemic precautions have made that centerpiece event an all-virtual affair. This year is different, up to a point: the concert will take place in person, at the United Nations General Assembly Hall, without an audience. With pianist John Beasley returning as musical director, it promises to be a sleek and dynamic affair. Watch it here at 5 p.m. EDT, or on the official YouTube and Facebook channels. (The stream will also be carried at jazzday.com, unesco.org, hancockinstitute.org, and on outlets administered by UN Web TV and the U.S. State Department.)
Featured performers will include Lizz Wright, Shemekia Copeland and Gregory Porter on vocals; Hiromi, Helio Alves and Joey Alexander on piano; Ravi Coltrane, David Sanborn and Erena Terakubo on saxophones; Marcus Miller, James Genus and Linda May Han Oh on bass; and Terri Lyne Carrington and Brian Blade on drums.
Naturally, it will also feature Herbie Hancock, the pianist, composer and NEA Jazz Master who established International Jazz Day in his joint capacity as chair of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and a UNESCO Global Ambassador. "With conflict and division in many parts of the world," says Hancock in a press statement, "it is my hope that, through the universal language of jazz, our celebration this year can inspire people of all nations to heal, to hope and to work together to foster peace."