In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (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 brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazzenthusiasts 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 co-operation and communication. From the international Jazz Day (IJD) website … https://jazzday.com/about/
On the www.jazzday website is a map of the world with many markers pointing at select locations. One marker points at New Zealand; in fact, it points to Whanganui. Last year, there was no marker at all on New Zealand, and the president of our Jazz Club decided that was not good enough. On Monday, April 30, Whanganui joins with towns and cities throughout the world to celebrate IJD!
Drawing from the wide spectrum of issues highlighted, we in Whanganui will be focusing on education with all this implies. Our event is in two parts, both taking place at Wanganui Collegiate. In the afternoon, Dr Rodger Fox of the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) will be running his workshop What is Jazz for music teachers, students and anyone interested in learning from one of the country's most respected educators. The workshop has free entry to all. The evening concert features Rodger and his NZSM Big Band and guest Michel Benebig. Michel, hailing from New Caledonia, performs his soul jazz music all over the world on the Hammond Organ. His collaboration with Rodger goes back many years, and is a great example of how jazz crosses borders. The concert embraces the ideal of promoting intercultural dialogue, with special guests AWA performing a musical welcome incorporating taonga puoro, and jazz influenced Daniel Waho with his band RESET.
Tickets are on sale now through the Royal Opera House.
The event is co-sponsored by Whanganui District Council, the Jazz Club and Wanganui Collegiate. We still need dollars to cover the costs, and are appealing to local businesses and individual patrons to join with us by making a donation.
Any further funding we can secure will go toward ensuring success this year and next. Anyone interested in contributing can do so by contacting Ken Chernoff, president of the Whanganui Jazz Club and organiser of the celebration. Telephone 022 431 5434. Email kenchernoff76@gmail.com
