The 2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert. Pictured from left to right: Jeremy Irons, Herbie Hancock, Elena Pinderhughes, Hélène Mercier, Naseer Shamma, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Janis Siegel during International Jazz Day 2025 All-Star Global Concert at Etihad Arena/Abu Dhabi. Supplied.

Chicago to host 15th Anniversary International Jazz Day in 2026

By Geoffrey Williams and Wires

As Nina Simone said, “Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking.” The story of jazz is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. To celebrate the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, in November 2011 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day. This Day is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation – not only for music, but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies. 

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The 14th annual International Jazz Day culminated in a rousing All-Star Global Concert from Etihad Arena in the host city of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The concert, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and led by Herbie Hancock, featured world-renowned artists from 14 countries including Dee 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 and Varijashree Venugopal. At the All-Star Global Concert, UNESCO officials announced that Herbie Hancock’s hometown of Chicago, USA, will host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026.

On the morning of April 30, the 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 to Abu Dhabi. The event featured remarks by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone and Jeremy Irons, acclaimed stage, film and television actor. Highlights included a moving solo performance of Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock and a stirring presentation of traditional Arabic music by local artists.

John McLaughlin brought his 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 Day 2025 concluded with its traditional finale of John Lennon’s Imagine, the universal anthem for peace, bringing the audience to its feet in a celebration of unity through music.

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Jazz Day 2025 celebrations in Abu Dhabi included 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 panel conversation between Herbie Hancock and Financial Times CEO John Ridding.

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Each year on April 30, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide to promote peace and unity, dialogue among cultures and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day was adopted by the UNESCO Member Nations on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie 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.

Geoffrey Williams is the Founder and Publishing Curator of The Solo Traveller. Wires include international news agencies and public relations representatives, published here with The Solo Traveller editorial oversight.