#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #International Jazz Day #Herbie Hancock

A Unifying Celebration of Jazz: International Jazz Day 2025

On April 30, 2025, the 14th edition of International Jazz Day brought together artists and enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the power of music in promoting peace and unity. This extraordinary event culminated in a spectacular All-Star Global Concert held at the Etihad Arena in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The concert was hosted by the esteemed Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and highlighted the musical genius of Herbie Hancock, who served as the artistic director. The event featured an impressive array of world-renowned artists, including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, José James, John McLaughlin, and many others from 14 different countries.

Opening Ceremony at Qasr Al Watan

Before the concert, an opulent Opening Ceremony took place at Qasr Al Watan, the majestic Palace of the Nation. The welcoming address was delivered by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism. UNESCO officials, including Ernesto Ottone, the Assistant Director-General for Culture, also shared their thoughts on the significance of the day. Notably, Herbie Hancock captivated the audience with a moving performance of his classic composition "Maiden Voyage," further complemented by beautiful traditional Arabic music performed by local artists.

Concert Highlights

The concert itself was a vibrant showcase of talent, perfectly reflecting the spirit of jazz. Highlights included:

• - Dee Dee Bridgewater teamed up with John McLaughlin and John Pizzarelli to deliver a soulful rendition of "The Thrill Is Gone."
• - Renowned concert pianist Hélène Mercier paired with Beijing's A Bu for a stunning duet of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," celebrating the interconnectedness of cultural expressions.
• - Arturo Sandoval, David Sánchez, and Danilo Pérez honored jazz great Dizzy Gillespie with a high-energy performance of the classic "Tin Tin Deo."
• - José James infused The Rolling Stones’ "Miss You" with his unique blend of soul and charisma, leaving the audience mesmerized.
• - The evening culminated in a heartwarming finale with a powerful rendition of John Lennon’s "Imagine," symbolizing peace and unity among diverse cultures through the universal language of music.

Global Reach

International Jazz Day extends beyond the concert stage. Across the world, thousands of events unfolded in over 190 countries, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural appreciation. In Abu Dhabi, initiatives for young musicians and jazz enthusiasts were organized, including programs at Berklee Abu Dhabi and the Cultural Foundation. Special concerts and panel discussions, such as a conversation between Herbie Hancock and the CEO of Financial Times, John Ridding, expanded the reach of this celebration.

As the evening concluded, UNESCO officials announced that Chicago, the hometown of Herbie Hancock, will host the upcoming 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day in 2026, further solidifying jazz's role as a conductor of cultural diplomacy and unity.

International Jazz Day embodies a commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and respect across nations, thriving as a unique initiative driven by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. The event serves as a reminder of the unifying power of music, feeding into the larger narrative of cultural exchange and understanding.

In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and support from the Doris Duke Foundation, this year's celebrations highlighted the rich tapestry of global music culture and left audiences inspired to carry forward the spirit of jazz throughout the year.