International Jazz Day Salute to New Orleans Concert to take place April 22 in Congo Square
To launch the International Jazz Day 2018 celebration, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will present a special International Jazz Day Salute to New Orleans concert recognizing the 300th anniversary of the City of New Orleans. Taking place Sunday, April 22 at 2 pm in historic Congo Square, this free, public event will be led by iconic jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and world-renowned New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard, who will perform with the E-Collective. The concert also will feature vocalists Patti Austin, Ledisi and Philip Bailey, the Preservation All-Stars and other special guests affirming the unifying power of jazz. John Beasley will serve as Musical Director for the event.
In addition to the live concert, a series of in-school jazz education presentations led by the Institute’s teaching artists and educators will serve New Orleans students from April 18 to 30. These free programs, exploring the origins, development and significance of jazz, will include master classes conducted by Hancock and Blanchard and other outstanding musicians and educators.
The Congo Square concert will serve as a kick off to International Jazz Day 2018. This global celebration, which takes place each year on April 30, highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe. Of special significance, the first ever International Jazz Day event was held in Congo Square, so it is fitting that this year’s Jazz Day festivities take place in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.