International Jazz Day 2021 Concludes with Spectacular All-Star Global Concert Featuring Performances from Cities Across the Globe

Hosted by Michael Douglas at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Concert Caps Extraordinary 10th Anniversary Celebration Spanning More than 190 Countries


Legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and acclaimed vocalist Andra Day perform as part of the International Jazz Day 2021 All-Star Global Concert. (Steve Mundinger for Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)

Washington, D.C. – With more than 190 countries participating, the International Jazz Day 10th Anniversary celebration concluded with a thrilling All-Star Global Concert reaching millions worldwide. Hosted by Michael Douglas and led by artistic director Herbie Hancock and musical director John Beasley, the concert brought together renowned artists from over 20 countries, and was made possible by Lead Partner Toyota, with United Airlines serving as Airline Partner.

Anchored from UN Headquarters in New York, the 2021 concert showcased jazz as a truly global art form. As United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres noted, "Ten years ago, we launched the very first International Jazz Day in the United Nations General Assembly Hall at the initiative of UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. With every passing year, this has been a joyous celebration – not only of music, but also of freedom, diversity and human dignity. These are the values the United Nations works to protect and promote around the world."

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2021 Virtual Education Programs


On April 30, we offered an exciting series of virtual education programs in honor of Jazz Day 2021 featuring Herbie Hancock, Kris Bowers, Billy Childs, Antonio Sánchez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Linda May Han Oh, Lionel Loueke and other acclaimed artists. Classes are available for students and listeners of all levels and are free to watch! Click here to check out the full series.

The International Jazz Day 2021 Virtual Education Program showcases a core part of the #JazzDay legacy: nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians and listeners through engaging, innovative learning experiences. The International Jazz Day 2021 Virtual Education Program was made possible thanks to 2021 Lead Partner Toyota and Airline Partner United.

2021 International Jazz Day Event Map

2021 International Jazz Day Event Map

2021 Events

  • Sarp Maden 5 The Badau, İstanbul (Turkey)
  • Florida State University’s Greg Jones – Costa Rica Jazz Fest at the National Theater National Theater of Costa Rica, San Jose (Costa Rica)
  • Jam Jazz Appreciation Concert Cas di Cultura Aruba, Oranjestad (Aruba)
  • Ivan Mazuze Band With Guests – Live stream Victoria - Nasjonal jazzscene, Oslo (Norway)
  • Pau Viguer Live Concert! Pau Viguer live Concert, Valencia (Spain)
  • Chicago’s Wide World of Jazz Chicago (United States)
  • Transmisión Final Primer Premio Jazz Joven ONJMX Casa Tiyahui, Saltillo (Mexico)
  • Umbria Jazz presents Carta bianca a Franco D’Andrea Perugia (Italy)
  • "Golden Oryx Jazz Quartet" at NOVA's International Jazz Day NOVA International Schools - Skopje, N. Macedonia, Skopje (Macedonia)
  • Jazz a lo dominicano Santo Domingo Este (Dominican Republic)
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