International Jazz Day

What International Jazz Day does

International Jazz Day is a UNESCO-sponsored international observance proclaimed in 2011 and first celebrated on April 30, 2012, dedicated to promoting jazz as a vector for peace, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding. The initiative is co-organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, headquartered in Washington, DC, with Herbie Hancock serving as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. It operates with a lean staff of 6 employees and reaches 190+ countries through a decentralized, community-led model where independent organizers worldwide plan and execute events of all sizes.

The core platform is built around jazzday.com and includes the flagship All-Star Global Concert streamed live in 4K via UNTV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, and YouTube; a Global Events Platform for event registration and discovery; a free Educational Resources Library with lesson plans, masterclasses, and teaching materials; branding assets in six languages; curated jazz playlists on Spotify and Apple Music; radio spots featuring Herbie Hancock; and a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution providing access to oral histories of over 100 senior jazz musicians. Supporting distribution channels include social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, plus a mailing list and downloadable toolkits for organizers.

The business model is non-commercial: International Jazz Day generates no revenue from participants, charges no membership fees, and requires no application to participate. The initiative is funded through voluntary efforts of organizers and institutional support from UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. The 2026 host city is Chicago, marking the 15th annual celebration and the 250th anniversary of the United States, with 30+ organizational partners including jazzahead!, New Orleans Jazz Museum, and the International Schools Association extending the initiative's reach into education, festivals, museums, and cultural diplomacy.

Name

International Jazz Day

Legal name

International Jazz Day (Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)

Website

https://jazzday.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

International Jazz Day is a UNESCO-sponsored global observance proclaimed in 2011 and celebrated annually on April 30 across 190+ countries. It serves independent event organizers, educators, jazz artists, and cultural institutions through free resources, a global concert, and educational programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Global Cultural Music Observance Initiative

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111), Musical Groups and Artists (71113)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts & Culture Community Festivals (Multidisciplinary Arts Weeks) (MPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA), Virtual Concerts & Music Festivals (Livestreamed Performances) (MPAGAOAD)

Keywords

• Jazz music celebration
• Global cultural observance
• Jazz education programs
• Music event coordination
• UNESCO cultural initiative

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. UNESCO Global Initiative: International Jazz Day is a non-commercial UNESCO global initiative. No revenue is generated from participants. The celebration is made possible through voluntary efforts of organizers at all levels of civil society, with no membership fees or application requirements for participation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

International Jazz Day is a UNESCO-sponsored annual global observance held on April 30, providing a free coordination framework that enables independent organizers in 190+ countries to host jazz events, educational programs, and concerts. Its flagship offering is the All-Star Global Concert, a 4K live broadcast featuring world-renowned jazz musicians streamed to millions worldwide via UNTV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, and YouTube. The initiative also delivers free educational programs, lesson plans, and resources for schools and teachers, plus downloadable branding assets (logos, posters, radio spots) in six languages for organizers.

Product overview

International Jazz Day is a UNESCO-sponsored annual global celebration of jazz music held on April 30. The organization operates a digital platform centered around its core offerings: the All-Star Global Concert (a flagship 4K broadcast featuring world-renowned musicians), Educational Programs (free online instruction via jazzday.com, YouTube, and Facebook), and a Global Events Platform enabling event registration across 190+ countries. Supporting products include an Educational Resources Library with videos and lesson plans, free Logos and Branding Assets in six languages, Radio Spots featuring Herbie Hancock, curated Jazz Music Playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, a Global Videos Library, Photo Galleries, Poster Gallery, and the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program partnership. The platform also provides an Event Registration System for organizers. All offerings are free and accessible worldwide, with the 2026 host city being Chicago, United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• All-Star Global Concert Flagship annual 4K live concert featuring world-renowned jazz musicians, broadcast live from the designated host city to millions of viewers worldwide via UNTV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Educational Programs Free online education programs featuring acclaimed artist-educators presenting jazz instruction for students of all ages, streamed via jazzday.com, YouTube, and Facebook.
• Global Events Platform A worldwide event registration and discovery platform enabling independent artists and organizers to register events in more than 190 countries for International Jazz Day celebrations.
• Event Registration System Free event registration portal allowing individuals and organizations to register their Jazz Day events and become official International Jazz Day organizers.
• Educational Resources Library A growing library of free educational materials including videos, lesson plans, handouts, masterclasses, and teaching resources covering jazz history, theory, and performance across multiple languages.
• Jazz Day Logos and Branding Assets Free official branding resources including logos, posters, and wordmarks available in six languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish), plus band silhouette images for event organizers.
• Global Videos Library Online repository of hundreds of videos from past International Jazz Day celebrations, including official concert clips and submissions from partners in over 190 countries.
• Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program Partnership with the Smithsonian Institution providing access to oral history transcriptions and audio recordings of over 100 senior jazz musicians, performers, and associates.

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Amman Jazz FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019The only major event dedicated to Jazz in Jordan. Has succeeded in gathering local and international professionals, attracting wide audience and expanding globally while creating opportunities for sustainable cultural exchanges. Celebrated International Jazz Day annually since 2019.
• Icke Kreuzberg ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Independent production house of German filmmaker Atef Ben Bouzid. Partnered with International Jazz Day in 2019 to provide full-length screenings of Cairo Jazzman documentary free of charge to select Jazz Day partners.
• New Orleans Jazz MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partner since 2018, the museum celebrates the history of jazz through dynamic interactive exhibits, multi-generational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances.
• International Schools AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018International non-governmental organization and the first educational NGO to be granted consultative status at UNESCO. Partnership announced in 2018 to involve ISA's many member schools in celebrating jazz.
• The Haven International SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Founded in March 2017 in Cape Verde. Offers tailored educational services in environment where children are nurtured and guided to succeed. Partner since 2018 to bring awareness of jazz and its impact to students and families.
• Drake Music ScotlandminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Provides music making opportunities for people with disabilities, supporting them to play, learn and compose music independently using inclusive music technology. Partner since 2016, organizing performances, workshops, and demonstrations.
• Musique Universelle Arc-en-Ciel (MUAC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Based in Paris, non-profit organization that promotes music and all arts as a means of communication between communities through conferences, educational workshops and concerts. Partner since 2017.
• Mladí ladíminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017One of the most exciting live jazz events in Europe, showcasing contemporary jazz and experimental music from Czech and international artists every April. Partner since 2017 with unique educational activities for young jazz musicians and children from different social backgrounds.
• MAMA JAZminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Building awareness around International Jazz Day for Mauritian music lovers since 2016. Has grown from an idea into a movement impacting hundreds of thousands of Mauritians through national TV broadcasts, concerts and free educational initiatives.
• Dandora Hip Hop CityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Community-based organization founded in 2016 operating in Dandora informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Aims to provide safe space for youth and women to share experiences through jazz and music programming.
• Enjoy JazzminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Germany's largest jazz festival presenting top-class concerts and supporting program with emphasis on youth and up-and-coming talent. Over 20,000 visitors attend events in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Ludwigshafen annually.
• Mevicon ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Concierge company in Accra, Ghana that has partnered with Jazz Day since 2014 to raise awareness of jazz as educational tool and force for peace, unity, dialogue and cooperation.
• El Club del JazzminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Non-profit organization founded in 2011 and based in Medellin, Colombia. Promotes jazz music and positive values including freedom of expression, diversity, respect and tolerance through talks, gatherings, educational concerts, and improvisation sessions.
• Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Founded by Las Vegas native Kenny Rampton, current member of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. JOI focuses on greater exposure to jazz studies and awareness for students of all ages through festivals, clinics, Band Directors Academy, and Jazz for Young People Concerts.
• International Jazz Day AZ FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Arizona nonprofit organization led by musician and jazz advocate William Doc Jones. Has organized Jazz Day celebrations every year since 2012, bringing renowned musicians to audiences in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and beyond.
• Les Lundis d'HortenseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Brussels-based association that has promoted Belgian jazz for over 40 years. Plays a leading role in developing the Belgian jazz scene. Partner since 2012, showcasing emerging and established musicians.
• Jazz en DominicanaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Established in 2006, dedicated to raising the profile of Dominican Republic's native jazz talent. Boasts a prolific blog with over 2,500 articles and has organized more than 1,500 live jazz events since 2007. Partner since 2012.
• Excellence in the CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Founded in 2005 by former Paris street guitarist. Has raised over 4 million dollars for Utah musicians and presented over 650 free concerts throughout the state. Jazz is the predominant genre.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNESCO is the founding and co-organizing body of International Jazz Day. The initiative was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and is led by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. UNESCO provides global institutional reach and endorsement for the celebration.
• Herbie Hancock Institute of JazzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, based in Washington DC, co-organizes International Jazz Day alongside UNESCO. Herbie Hancock serves as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for International Jazz Day.
• jazzahead!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBremen, Germany-based world's largest jazz trade fair and most significant annual event on the global jazz scene. Brings together artists, promoters, vendors and stakeholders from throughout the jazz ecosystem.
• Argentine Jazz Circuit FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2021 in San Juan, Argentina. Objective is to create a national and international network of Jazz workers to spread the values of the genre and work for a better world in a system of unity.
• D.T.O. Jazz FestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginally Miami International Jazz Fest Inc., presented first edition in Miami, Florida in 2014. After pause during COVID-19, relocated to Orlando area. First presentation on International Jazz Day was in 2022.
• Blues Alley JazzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1965, America's oldest continuing jazz supper club. Along with its nonprofit arm, the Blues Alley Jazz Society, plays a leading role in keeping jazz alive. Presented performances for International Jazz Day 2021 in partnership with Voice of America.
• Haina de JazzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2015 in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic. Passionate about presenting interdisciplinary jazz offerings including concerts, jam sessions, educational events, and artistic exhibitions to the surrounding community.
• Bahrain Jazz FestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahrain's international jazz festival curated since 2017. Traditionally includes concerts, educational workshops and culminating open-air jazz event featuring artists from Bahrain and around the world.
• Latin Jazz InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBased in Stuttgart, Germany, dedicated to organizing concerts related to jazz, especially Latin jazz. Organizes annual Latin jazz festival Stuttgart mi amor, Monday Sessions at KISTE jazz club, and annual International Jazz Day celebrations.
• Jazz Art AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2009 in Podgorica, Montenegro. Premier jazz advocacy organization bringing together music educators, professional musicians and scholars to present workshops and concerts with aim of broadening jazz's popular appeal.
• Jazz.skminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading online portal for Slovak jazz community with slogan Good Music Connects. Since 2012, Executive Editor Boris Cellar and team celebrate International Jazz Day through Esprit Jazz Awards recognizing best new jazz talent from Slovakia.
• Discover Dominica AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes Dominica's cultural programming including annual Jazz N Creole festival. Helps raise awareness of International Jazz Day among Dominicans across the island nation.
• Afro REDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFusion jazz band formed in 2009 by bassist, composer, and bandleader David Kasochi. Mission is to revive the culture of live music in Zambia with special focus on jazz. Contributes to growing appeal of jazz in African nation.
• Jazz a la CalleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded to support community-based music instruction and teacher training in Mercedes, Uruguay. Recently partnered with nearby Universidad Tecnologica del Uruguay. Begins academic year around Jazz Day with youth workshops, concerts and educational outreach.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• jazzahead!: jazzahead! is the world's largest jazz trade fair and most significant annual event on the global jazz scene, based in Bremen, Germany. Listed as a strategic partner of International Jazz Day, it brings together artists, promoters, vendors and stakeholders, making it directly comparable in global jazz convening function.
• Montreux Jazz Festival: Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most prestigious annual jazz festivals in the world, held in Switzerland since 1967. Comparable to International Jazz Day's flagship global concert function as a destination international jazz event.
• New Orleans Jazz Museum: Partner of International Jazz Day since 2018, the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates jazz history through interactive exhibits, educational programming, research facilities, and musical performances. It is directly comparable as a jazz cultural heritage institution contributing to the same global celebration.
• Montreal International Jazz Festival: The Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the world's largest jazz festivals, attracting millions of visitors annually. Comparable in scale and function as a globally-recognized jazz celebration event.
• Blues Alley Jazz: Blues Alley Jazz is America's oldest continuing jazz supper club, founded in 1965, and a documented partner of International Jazz Day that presented performances for the 2021 celebration in partnership with Voice of America. It is directly comparable as a jazz venue operator contributing to the global jazz celebration ecosystem.
• North Sea Jazz Festival: North Sea Jazz Festival is a major annual jazz festival held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Comparable as a large-scale international jazz event driving global jazz programming and audience development.
• Umbria Jazz: Umbria Jazz is a major international jazz festival held annually in Perugia, Italy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Comparable as a long-running, internationally-recognized jazz festival with educational programming components.
• Smithsonian Jazz: The Smithsonian Institution's jazz oral history program is a documented partner of International Jazz Day, documenting over 100 senior jazz musicians. Directly comparable as a U.S.-based jazz cultural and educational programming partner.
• Enjoy Jazz: Enjoy Jazz is Germany's largest jazz festival and a documented partner of International Jazz Day since 2015, presenting top-class concerts in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Ludwigshafen with over 20,000 annual visitors. Directly comparable as a partner jazz festival with strong educational focus on youth and emerging talent.

Broad incumbents

• Jazz at Lincoln Center: Jazz at Lincoln Center is the largest jazz organization in the world, operating performances, education programs (including Jazz for Young People Concerts referenced in IJD partner data), and a full orchestra. It is a comparable broad incumbent in the global jazz cultural programming and education space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/intljazzday
• YouTubeyoutube.com/internationaljazzday
• Facebookfacebook.com/intljazzday
• Instagraminstagram.com/intljazzday
• TikToktiktok.com/@intljazzday
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/internationaljazzday

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Jazz Day