International Jazz Day

• Fred Vigeant/WITF
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  Fred Vigeant is WITF's Director of Programming and Promotions for TV and Radio. Fred manages the schedules for our radio and television platforms. He also analyzes audience research and manages the public affairs program Smart Talk. Previously, Fred was at WRVO in Oswego, NY for 12 years serving in various roles including Program Director and before that Operations Manager. Fred graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcasting.

 Courtesy of Steve Mundinger

The finale performance from Jazz Day 2019 in Melbourne, featuring (from left) Kurt Elling, James Morrison, Ledisi, Somi and Lizz Wright.

Join us for an uplifting retrospective that highlights collaborations between artists representing over 30 nations as part of the All-Star Global Concert, the official culminating event of each year’s International Jazz Day. Viewers will enjoy performances from the United Nations, Istanbul, Osaka, Paris, the White House, Havana, St. Petersburg, New Orleans and Melbourne.

This entertaining look back at 10 years of historic International Jazz Day concerts features dozens of music icons, including unforgettable performances by Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Hugh Masekela and many more.

For more than a century, the truly American music of jazz has promoted peace, diversity, individual expression, dialogue among cultures, and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day highlights the unifying attributes of this music through live performances, education programs and special events worldwide. International Jazz Day was first celebrated in 2012, and is recognized on the official calendars of both the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Each year on April 30, universities, libraries, schools, arts centers, organizations of all disciplines, artists, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world honor this revered musical art form that for decades has brought together people of different cultures, religions and nationalities.

Watch International Jazz Day on WITF Friday April 30, at 9pm.  This program is also available through our webstream on our website and through the PBS Video app.

A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.

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