Columbus is celebrating International Jazz Day in a major way in 2019 thanks to SEMM Foundation and the Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX-LP radio station! The Inaugural 2019 International Jazz Day Ohio Celebration will be held at Whitehall-Yearling High School, located at 675 S. Yearling Road in Whitehall, on Saturday, April 27th from 11am to 10pm. Tickets are available here. This all-day community event features two stages of live jazz, dance and poetry performances, including a tribute to the great Nancy Wilson, plus art exhibitions, workshops, vendors, speakers and more! Of special note for classic jazz and fusion fans is the headlining performance in the Walter Armes Auditorium: Saxophonist Gary Bartz [UPDATE: Eddie Henderson has canceled his appearance] with drummer Greg Bandy and The Jazz Alliance! The stacked lineup also includes the Bobby Floyd Trio with Vanessa Rubin, a special big band show and dance by The Rick Brunetto Big Band, and many more of Columbus’ finest musicians – the full schedule is here. This can’t miss event is an excellent way to celebrate Columbus and international jazz with fellow jazz fans – make your way to Whitehall Saturday! Keep reading for full details from SEMM Foundation:
SEMM FOUNDATION AND JAZZ 98.5 FM, WSAX PRESENTS
THE INAUGURAL 2019 INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY OHIO CELEBRATIONColumbus, OH – SEMM Foundation and Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX radio station proudly presents the Inaugural 2019 International Jazz Day Ohio Celebration at Whitehall-Yearling High School, located at 675 S. Yearling Road in Whitehall.
On Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am to 10:00pm, International Jazz Day Ohio will offer an exciting all day celebration of the Art of Jazz. The event will feature a Tribute to the Life, Music and Legacy of Nancy Wilson, a spectacular professional and student art exhibition, workshop discussions, awards ceremony, multiple vendors, keynote speakers, and an all star line-up of multiple live jazz performances, dance and poetry reading performances, all on two stages throughout the day. Food and refreshments will be available, including an Eggs and Pancakes Brunch.
Expect great performances from regional, national and international jazz superstars including [UPDATED 4/25] saxophonist Gary Bartz, drummer Greg Bandy, 2019 Grammy Award Nominee, pianist & organist Bobby Floyd, Vanessa Rubin, Priscilla Woodson, J. London & the Band of Friends, Full Count Band, and a special big band show and dance by the Rick Brunetto Big Band, featuring vocalists Tia Harris, Michael Phillips and Jeremy Lahman. International Jazz Day Ohio will also showcase a student performance by the St. Charles Preparatory Jazz Band.
Tickets are available now. All Access tickets are $15 for entry to all events, including late afternoon and evening auditorium performances. General Admission tickets are $10 for entry to all events except for late afternoon and evening auditorium performances occurring after 4pm. Student tickets are $5. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by a paid adult. Tickets for the eggs and pancakes brunch may be purchased separately in advance.
Tickets and more information are available online on the International Jazz Day Ohio website at www.jazzdayohio.com, or www.eventbrite.com.
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About UNESCO International Jazz Day WorldwideIn November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Since 2012, organizers from over 190 countries have produced a record number of Jazz Day events every year.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.