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Jazz is probably the most inspiring and one of the most entertaining music genres. Thanks to the passion of millions and the efforts of thousands of jazz artists, club owners and festival directors all around the world, jazz music is still lively and is passed on from generation to generation.
This can easily be noted from the raising number of
jazz festivals arranged each year. Massive jazz events in Africa and Asia, traditional jazz celebrations in Australia and popular festivals in Europe and South America are now the highlights of the year for many people. The US are still the most relevant jazz hot spot with numerous festivals organised all year round. Nevertheless, jazz has become more of an international thing.
The variety of shows arranged in
jazz clubs every single week contribute to keep jazz music alive as well. Global cities like New York, London and Paris act as some of the most important jazz spots for both renowned and up and coming artists. Nevertheless, a lot more jazz venues are being opened in other places too. Argentina, typically known as the birthplace of tango, is a good example of how jazz is on the rise in places that had not been popular jazz locations in the past, but that now host lively jazz communities and present live jazz on a weekly basis.
An extra sign that jazz music is on the rise is the establishment of an international day to celebrate jazz. On November 2011, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) officially designated 30 April as
International Jazz Day. The objective has been "to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe". This special event has been chaired and led by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and renowned jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who also serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the non-for-profit organisation Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
International Jazz Day is the highlight of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public awareness to jazz and its heritage during April. Since 2012, 30 April has been day that has brought together communities, musicians, schools, historians and jazz aficionados all around the globe to honor and learn about jazz, its roots, future and impact, raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, and strengthen international cooperation and communication.
For the last few years, on 30 April, tons of jazz-related events have been planned worldwide. Workshops, gigs, expos and other cultural happenings have been led by the main event organised in the Global Host City (New York in 2012, Istanbul in 2013 and Osaka in 2014).
The current state of jazz is also noticeable online. In fact, tons of jazz artists and enthusiasts are amid the most engaged users of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Thanks to such websites, performers can now connect and share their passion for jazz with other artists and aficionados. Additionally, platforms like Spotify, Soundcloud and Last. Fm also make it easier for artists, jazz club managers, festival directors and jazz fans to connect.
Keep spreading your passion for jazz!
