International Jazz Day(s)

Join JazzYYC and get into the groove with concerts, workshops, and more

  • Location: Various Venues
  • Price: Free - $25
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Get ready, one jazzy party is about to begin! Every year on April 30, jazz music as an international art form is recognized for promoting peace and dialogue among cultures, diversity, respect for human dignity, the eradication of discrimination, fostering gender equality, and promoting individual expression.

And did you know that Calgary is one of the only cities in the world to take the inspiration from International Jazz Day and expand it into a full festival? Join JazzYYC this April and take in events including jazz jams, workshops, and an all-day JazzWalk in Inglewood.

The week is full of mostly free shows aimed at raising awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, and seeks to reinforce international cooperation and communication.

Unsure where to start? Here are our top picks to check out:

ProArts Presents Tricia Edwards Duo with Raul Tabera

April 24, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

Tricia Edwards’ musical journey has taken many diverse paths from formative years spent training and performing in the classical realm to playing in the jazz idiom to her current passion in exploring the world of Latin music. Don’t miss this free lunch hour concert.
jazzyyc.com

Johnny Summers Workshop

April 27, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

A workshop for trumpet and brass players, join Johnny Summers for a conversation about strategies and techniques that will lead to more effortless playing to improve tone, articulations, and even range.
jazzyyc.com

JazzWalk

April 28, 2019, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Throughout Inglewood
Free admission

This free, family-friendly event weaves its way through various venues throughout Inglewood. It’s a great way to check out all that Calgary has to offer in local jazz music and explore multiple shows in multiple venues. There’s a little something for everyone, from the jazz aficionado to the newest listener.
jazzyyc.com

David Weiss Sextet

April 28, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
$20 – $25

A major catalyst and creator of some of the most critically acclaimed and respected jazz to have been released over the years, David Weiss joins JazzYYC for its Illuminate Series concert. Rounded out by some of the most burning, talented jazz musicians from the NYC jazz scene, this is sure to be a highlight of the year for Calgary jazz lovers.
jazzyyc.com

Melissa Aldana

April 30, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Ironwood Stage & Grill (1229 9th Ave. SE)
Admission by donation

Still in her 20s, Chilean saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana has had a remarkably rapid evolution from six-year-old sax prodigy to being hailed as a bold new talent by NPR. You won’t want to miss this fantastic concert.
jazzyyc.com

Celebrate International Jazz Day(s) April 24 to 30, 2019 at venues around the city. Head to jazzyyc.com to find the full schedule and start planning.