Celebrate International Jazz Day With The BPL On April 28
Birmingham, Ala.—Join the Birmingham Public Library at the Central Library for an International Jazz Day program on Thursday, April 28, from 12:00—2:00 p.m. featuring live music by Fred Jones Jr. and food trucks! This program is free and open to the public.
International Jazz Day is observed on Saturday, April 30, as the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month in April, celebrating the diplomatic history and impact of jazz across the globe.
Birmingham has a special history with jazz. From the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame,
The first piano blues solo ever recorded was played by Birmingham-born Clarence 'Pinetop' Smith. Sun Ra, whose innovative work remains celebrated worldwide, was born and raised in Birmingham, and native Erskine Hawkins set the standard with his signature tune about Ensley, "Tuxedo Junction."
In December 2021, two European filmmakers came to Birmingham to research Sun Ra for their upcoming documentary on him. The Southern History Department assisted Pablo Guarise and Guillaume Maupin with their research until they left in February. They are expecting to return in the spring of 2023 to begin filming.
Bring your lawn chairs on Thursday, April 28, and get a front-row seat to Fred Jones Jr.'s performance as we celebrate jazz here in Birmingham and across the globe!
- What: Birmingham Public Library presents International Jazz Day
- When: Thursday, April 28, 2022, 12:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.
- Where: Central Library, 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Details: Join the Birmingham Public Library at the Central Library for an International Jazz Day program on Thursday, April 28, from 12:00—2:00 p.m. featuring live music by Fred Jones Jr. and food trucks! This program is free and open to the public.
International Jazz Day is observed on Saturday, April 30, with events taking place in more than 180 countries. This celebration comes at the end of April, which is also Jazz Appreciation Month.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated International Jazz Day as April 30 in November 2011. As of December 2012, the United Nations joined UNESCO in formally recognizing International Jazz Day on their respective official calendars.
This observed day highlights the jazz genre and its diplomatic role, uniting people all over the world. It raises awareness about the need for "intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding" and honors the genre's history of expression and strives for equality.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, artists, historians, academics, and people across the globe to celebrate and learn about jazz—its roots, future, and impact.
This honorary day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations
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