April is Jazz Appreciation Month

Jazz Appreciation Month was created in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It became a national extension of the original Jazz Awareness Month created by the Louisiana Jazz Federation in New Orleans in 1980. Jazz Appreciation Month was created to be an annual event that would pay tribute to jazz as both a living and a historic music. Jazz Appreciation Month is celebrated globally and culminates with the international celebration of International Jazz Day on April 30th.

International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day 2026 takes place on Thursday, April 30. This year is especially significant as it marks the 15th anniversary of the global event, with Chicago serving as the Global Host City.  

The celebration in Chicago is the most expansive in the event’s history, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. While the main day is April 30, Chicago is hosting a month-long series of concerts, educational programs, and community events throughout April.

Featured Events in Chicago

The 15th-anniversary celebration features several key, often free, events throughout the month: 

• All-Star Global Concert (April 30, 7 PM): Held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, this headlined, free event features Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others.
• Ravinia Concert & Exhibit (April 26, 7 PM): A free performance featuring jazz greats and a photography exhibit.
• Community Highlights: Events throughout the city include tours focusing on the Bronzeville roots of Chicago jazz on April 25 and Neighborhood Jazz Nights on April 28.

Global Participation

You can join the celebration worldwide via the live stream of the All-Star concert on YouTube, Facebook, or JazzDay.com. Or, attend a concert watch party near you. Additionally, check the official map for events in over 190 countries and access online educational programs.

For more details and schedules, visit JazzDay.com.

WHPKJazz Global Concert Watch Party