International Jazz Day — 30 April

All. That. Jazz. Many consider it “America’s classical music.” After all, jazz began in New Orleans over 100 years ago. Legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock (along with the UN) helped create International Jazz Day in 2011. So join with people around the world as this day promotes jazz’s roots and intercultural influence every April 30. 

This year the 2020 All-Star Global Concert takes place in Cape Town. Listen to the 2019 global concert from Melbourne, Australia for free.

Read on for a musical look at a distinctly American art form — and don’t miss our list of four cool jazz subgenres.