Monica Morgan/WireImageAretha Franklin, Sting and Herbie Hancock are among the many respected music artists who will appear on Jazz at the White House, an hourlong ABC television special set to air on International Jazz Day, Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m. The event, which will be hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, will feature dozens of musicians paying tribute to the American art form of jazz.
The event will be filmed on April 29 at the White House, and also will include performances by Buddy Guy, Chick Corea, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Hugh Masekela, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, Rebirth Brass Band, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Trombone Shorty and many others.
International Jazz Day, which is presented each year on April 30 in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding and unites people from all corners of the globe. The day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
This year marks the fifth annual edition of the event. Washington, D.C., has been selected to serve as 2016 International Jazz Day’s Global Host City.
In addition to airing on ABC, the show will and be streamed on the official websites for the United Nations, UNESCO, the U.S. State Department and the White House. For more information about the event, visit JazzDay.com.
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