Launched by famed jazz musician Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day is to center its fourth annual event in Paris, with jazz-related events taking place across the globe on April 30.
Paris -- a city often considered the second birthplace of jazz after the US and claiming musicians Django Reinhardt, Josephine Baker, Jean-Luc Ponty and Stéphane Grappelli as part of its rich jazz heritage -- takes the reins from Osaka in serving as global host of the 2015 affairs.
Performances, workshops, master classes, jam sessions and panel discussions will take place all around the city throughout the day.
Paris will also host this year's All-Star Global Concert, starting at 7pm local time and streaming live on JazzDay.com. Annie Lennox, Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Marcus Miller and Hancock are among the many musicians set to perform.
Of course, the idea behind International Jazz Day is to celebrate jazz at both a local and a global level, and many will be exploring events in their own hometown. Those on the lookout will find events scheduled in more than 160 countries and in cities all around the world, from Sarajevo to Bangkok to Lima.
In Seoul, clubs will hold a marathon 7-hour jam session during which 43 musicians will play until dawn, and in New Orleans, a concert on the steps of the New Orleans Museum of Art will be followed by a second line parade from the museum to the gates of JazzFest.
Jazz Day was founded by Hancock in 2012 in his role as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and unanimously approved by the organization's member states. Of special note this year: 2015 marks Hancock's 75th birthday (April 12 to be exact) as well as the 100th anniversary of the birth of Billie Holiday -- two more reasons to celebrate.
A list of global events can be found at jazzday.com/events.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Mon Apr 27 2015
2015 International Jazz Day poster - All rights reserved
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.