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The 14th annual International Jazz Day culminated in a rousing All-Star Global Concert from Etihad Arena in the host city of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The concert, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and led by Herbie Hancock, featured world-renowned artists from 14 countries including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Etienne Charles, Kurt Elling, Ruthie Foster, José James, John McLaughlin, Hélène Mercier, Danilo Pérez, John Pizzarelli, Dianne Reeves, David Sánchez, Arturo Sandoval, Janis Siegel, Varijashree Venugopal and others. Watch for free at jazzday.com.

At the All-Star Global Concert, UNESCO officials announced that Herbie Hancock's hometown of Chicago, USA will host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026.

On the morning of April 30, a remarkable Opening Ceremony was held at Qasr Al Watan, the Palace of the Nation. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, officially welcomed International Jazz Day to Abu Dhabi. The event featured remarks by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone and Jeremy Irons, acclaimed stage, film and television actor. Highlights included a moving solo performance of "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock and a stirring presentation of traditional Arabic music by local artists.

Highlights of the All-Star Global Concert included Dee Dee Bridgewater performing a groove-driven version of "The Thrill Is Gone" with John McLaughlin and John Pizzarelli. World-renowned concert pianist Hélène Mercier of Paris and emerging talent A Bu of Beijing united two continents in a dazzling duo piano performance of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"—a classical tribute to the spirit and rhythm of jazz. Arturo Sandoval, David Sánchez and Danilo Pérez honored Dizzy Gillespie with their electrifying performance of "Tin Tin Deo."

John McLaughlin brought his mind-blowing jazz fusion to his original composition "As The Spirit Sings." Dianne Reeves, known for her emotive vocal prowess and jazz interpretations, delivered a poignant rendition of "Someone to Watch Over Me." José James infused The Rolling Stones' classic "Miss You" with his unique blend of soul and swagger. Jazz Day 2025 concluded with its traditional finale of John Lennon's "Imagine," the universal anthem for peace, bringing the audience to its feet in a celebration of unity through music.

Jazz Day 2025 celebrations in Abu Dhabi included dozens of community outreach programs, bringing the magic of jazz to young children and aspiring professionals at venues including Berklee Abu Dhabi, Bait Al Oud and the Cultural Foundation. In partnership with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, the program included a special concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a thought-provoking panel conversation between Herbie Hancock and Financial Times CEO John Ridding. Around the world, thousands of performances, masterclasses, jam sessions, education and community programs took place in more than 190 countries.

Each year on April 30, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide to promote peace and unity, dialogue among cultures and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day was adopted by the UNESCO Member Nations on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who co-chairs the annual celebration with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi served as the International Jazz Day 2025 Host City Partner, with major global support provided by the Doris Duke Foundation. United, the International Jazz Day Global Airline Partner, provided air transportation and additional support for artists and educators.

www.jazzday.com  
www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day

Dee Dee Bridgewater, legendary jazz vocalist, multi-talented artist, and producer, will deliver the keynote address at Denison University’s 184th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. This will be the third time Bridgewater will grace a stage at Denison. As a two-time Vail Series artist, she has mesmerized audiences in concerts and shared her insights and experiences with students in classrooms.

Over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Bridgewater has established herself as one of the most iconic voices in jazz, earning numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a Tony Award. At the ceremony, Bridgewater will be recognized with the conferring of an honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

“Dee Dee Bridgewater is an extraordinary artist and entrepreneur who innovates across genres, creates new art, and revises standard works,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “She has built connections with Denison students and faculty in classrooms and on stage during her time here as a Vail Series guest artist, and I look forward to renewing that connection. We are delighted to invite an absolute master of their craft to speak at the Class of 2025 Commencement.”

Bridgewater has redefined jazz, performing with luminaries such as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Dizzy Gillespie. Her most recent Grammy win celebrates the legacy of greats, including Billie Holiday.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Denison University for the unique honor of receiving an honorary doctorate and giving the commencement speech,” said Bridgewater. “My connection with Denison is quite special and has created a lifelong bond.”

She has pursued a parallel career in musical theater, winning a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz in 1975. She served as the namesake host of the long-running syndicated NPR radio program, JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater. Expanding the boundaries of her art, she has launched her own record label and established The Woodshed Network, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in jazz.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater’s influence extends beyond the arts, advocating for global solidarity to combat world hunger. Her humanitarian efforts and artistic achievements have earned her numerous honors, including the NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award and induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

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Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap

4:15-5:30 p.m., WWOZ Jazz Tent

Jazz singer and overall legend Dee Dee Bridgewater stars on musical and theatrical stages alike and often pays tribute to legendary artists who came before her. She infuses jazz classics with her own distinctive voice and flair.

Over the course of her decades-spanning career, Bridgewater has won a Tony Award and three Grammys, including one in 2011 for her tribute to Billie Holiday, “Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater.” At Jazz Fest, Bridgewater will be joined by pianist Bill Charlap, known for his impressive interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Bridgewater also will perform as part of Detroit Brooks’ tribute to Danny and Blue Lu Barker on Friday, April 25. — SARAH RAVITS

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