International Jazz Day 2025 Worldwide Celebration Culminates with Thrilling All-Star Global Concert from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Thousands of Performances and Events Presented in More Than 190 Countries

Chicagoto Host 15th Anniversary International Jazz Day in 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE,May 2, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- The 14th annual International Jazz Day culminated in a rousing All-Star Global Concert from Etihad Arena in the host city ofAbu Dhabi, UAE. The concert, hosted by Academy Award-winning actorJeremy Ironsand led byHerbie Hancock, featured world-renowned artists from 14 countries includingDee Dee Bridgewater,Etienne Charles,Kurt Elling,Ruthie Foster,José James,John McLaughlin,Hélène Mercier,Danilo Pérez,John Pizzarelli,Dianne Reeves,David Sánchez,Arturo Sandoval,Janis Siegel,Varijashree Venugopaland others. Watch for free atjazzday.com.

At the All-Star Global Concert, UNESCO officials announced thatHerbie Hancock'shometown ofChicago,USAwill host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026.

On the morning ofApril 30, a remarkable Opening Ceremony was held at Qasr Al Watan, the Palace of the Nation.Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, officially welcomed International Jazz Day toAbu Dhabi. The event featured remarks by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone andJeremy Irons, acclaimed stage, film and television actor. Highlights included a moving solo performance of"Maiden Voyage"byHerbie Hancockand a stirring presentation of traditional Arabic music by local artists.

Highlights of the All-Star Global Concert includedDee Dee Bridgewaterperforming a groove-driven version of"The Thrill Is Gone"withJohn McLaughlinandJohn Pizzarelli. World-renowned concert pianist Hélène Mercier ofParisand emerging talent A Bu ofBeijingunited two continents in a dazzling duo piano performance of George Gershwin's"Rhapsody in Blue"—a classical tribute to the spirit and rhythm of jazz.Arturo Sandoval, David Sánchez and Danilo Pérez honored Dizzy Gillespie with their electrifying performance of"Tin Tin Deo."

John McLaughlinbrought his mind-blowing jazz fusion to his original composition"As The Spirit Sings."Dianne Reeves, known for her emotive vocal prowess and jazz interpretations, delivered a poignant rendition of"Someone to Watch Over Me."José James infused The Rolling Stones'classic"Miss You"with his unique blend of soul and swagger.Jazz Day2025 concluded with its traditional finale ofJohn Lennon's"Imagine,"the universal anthem for peace, bringing the audience to its feet in a celebration of unity through music.

Jazz Day2025 celebrations inAbu Dhabiincluded dozens of community outreach programs, bringing the magic of jazz to young children and aspiring professionals at venues including Berklee Abu Dhabi, Bait Al Oud and the Cultural Foundation. In partnership with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, the program included a special concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a thought-provoking panel conversation betweenHerbie HancockandFinancial TimesCEOJohn Ridding. Around the world, thousands of performances, masterclasses, jam sessions, education and community programs took place in more than 190 countries.

Each year onApril 30, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide to promote peace and unity, dialogue among cultures and respect for human dignity. InternationalJazz Daywas adopted by the UNESCO Member Nations on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill AmbassadorHerbie Hancock, who co-chairs the annual celebration with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi served as the International Jazz Day 2025 Host City Partner, with major global support provided by the Doris Duke Foundation. United, the International Jazz Day Global Airline Partner, provided air transportation and additional support for artists and educators.

Clickable Link to Photo/Video Assets

www.jazzday.com   

www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day

Video -https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2678363/Herbie_Hancock_performs_his_iconic_jazz_fusion.mp4 

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SOURCE Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz