International Jazz Day, 2025 – 30th April
Established by UNESCO in 2011 at the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is UNESCO’s partner in the organization and promotion of International Jazz Day.
The 2025 edition of International Jazz Day will be celebrated in more than 190 countries on April 30, with Abu Dhabi selected as the Global Host City. Organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, this celebration will feature concerts and educational and cultural initiatives.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city’s rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents,” declared UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Ruthie Foster (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India). Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope,” according to Herbie Hancock.
Concert tickets are available here.
To learn more about International Jazz Day and register events on the official website, visit
www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday
Don’t forget to use the official hashtags #JazzDay when tweeting about International Jazz Day.
At 24/7 Jazz Radio and Jazz Radio International we are celebrating International Jazz Day
On April 30th, 2025, day and night, our stations, 24/7 Jazz Radio and Jazz Radio International will be dedicating our schedules to International Jazz Day. Every hour we will have Radio Spots featuring Herbie Hancock .
These two jazz stations are part of the 24/7 Online Radio Group. You can listen below to our radio streams on this website and on popular apps. We have also included our special International Jazz Day 2019 show below too!
Listen to our 2019 Special International Jazz Day programme in the Mixcload player below.