Seventh Annual International Jazz Day Scheduled for April 30

Santo Domingo, April 2, 2018 – In November 2011 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day with the goal of highlighting the importance of this musical genre and the important diplomatic role it plays in bringing together people from all over the world to promote peace and dialogue among cultures; diversity and respect for human rights and human dignity; the eradication of discrimination; promotion of freedom of expression; strengthen gender equality and the role of youth in social change.

From its very first year, International Jazz Day has been headed by UNESCO’s Director General Irina Bokova and legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Ambassador for Inter-Cultural Dialogue and president of the Thelonious Monk Jazz Institute. “International Jazz Day is a way to highlight, support and encourage the unifying power of music through special celebrations and activities,” explained Hancock.

Each year, a city is chosen to host the international event. In 2017, Havana, Cuba hosted the jazz event and many jazz-related activities – including concerts, community service initiatives and special education programs in local schools, libraries, hospitals and art centers.

On April 30, Havana hosted the All-Star Global Concert with the participation of dozens of top international jazz musicians.

This year, St. Petersburg, Russia, will host the international event.

The Dominican Republic has participated in this world-wide cultural event since 2012. And for a seventh-year in a row the D.R. is now part of the 195 nations that participate in this international celebration instituted to honor jazz by sponsoring thousands of jazz programs and jazz-related activities.

Jazz lovers in the Dominican Republic will be able to enjoy the best jazz music through the following events: “Jazzomania,” a local jazz group that is celebrating its 25th anniversary; Sandy Gabriel & Friends; the Haina de Jazz Collective; the Music Maestro radio program; the “Jazz en el Este” Collective, as well as other venues. “Jazz en Dominicana,” will host the events Fiesta Sunset Jazz (April 22 and 27), and Jazz Nights at Acropolis, on April 25.

The Cultural Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Fiesta Hotel and “Jazz en Dominicana” have come together to celebrate this tremendous jazz initiative, with the support of UNESCO, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and International Jazz Day.

In what’s become a tradition, during the Festival celebration organizers will honor top Dominican jazz musicians.