Written by For our American readers, a not to miss PBS special airs tonight.
A new PBS special brings viewers an inside look at the 2019 All-Star Global Concert from Melbourne, Australia. Featuring incredible performances by jazz masters from nearly a dozen countries, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Jane Monheit, James Morrison, Antonio Sánchez, Somi, Ben Williams, Lizz Wright and many more, under the musical direction of John Beasley. Presented each year on PBS, this star-studded concert features more than two dozen world-renowned artists in an unforgettable evening of music at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.
Declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and recognized on the official calendar of the United Nations, International Jazz Day is the one day each year on which jazz is celebrated worldwide, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities in more than 190 countries on all seven continents. At the heart of every celebration is the extraordinary All-Star Global Concert, which brings together renowned artists from all genres to pay tribute to this truly American music. Past years have seen artists from Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin to Esperanza Spalding join other legendary artists from around the world to showcase jazz and its ability to bring together people of all different cultures.
Viewers are advised to check local listings for exact times. If you’re unable to make time on Friday the show will be available for streaming online at PBS.org
You can watch the program trailer here – International Jazz Day
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, International Jazz Day will be celebrated virtually on April 30. Organizers around the world are curating their own digital events, with music, videos and other original content showing how jazz brings us all together even in challenging times.
The Institute will be presenting a series of free multilingual educational modules throughout the day on April 30, culminating in a special streaming event to be announced.
Check out jazzday.com for more info!
Last modified: November 17, 2020
