Since 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has 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.

It brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts 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 cooperation and communication.


Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.

This Tuesday, listen to our FineJazz programs for an all-Australian jazz experience.

  • Jazz Rhythm with Jeannie McInnes at noon
  • The Jazz Beat with Lloyd Capps at 7:00pm

Additionally, enjoy the global International Jazz Day concert from the Jazz Day website, or from the International Jazz Day YouTube streaming on May 1st at 8:00am (Sydney time).

Australian International Jazz Day Events

Listen to the award-winning series produced for 2MBS Fine Music, History of Jazz in Australia.

Produced by Dr Bruce Johnson, in conjunction with his respected reference The Oxford Companion to Jazz In Australia (1987). Episodes include:

1.Introduction and beginnings
2.Beginnings in Australia
3.1920s jazz visitors to Australia
4.1920s Regional influences: Sydney and Melbourne
5.1930s After the Stock Market Crash
6.1930s Post Depression
7.Late 1930s Swing
8.Swing and Classic Jazz
9.Mid1940s Frank Coughlan
10.Classic Jazz Movement
11.1930s to 1950s Progressive Jazz and Bop
12.Bell Brothers

13.1940s to 1960s Revisionism of Styles and Moldy Figs
14.1950s Jazz and Rock’n’Roll
15.1950s Trad boom
16.1960s Modern Jazz
17.1960s Arrival of Pop
18.1970s-80s Re-emergence of Jazz
19.1980s Australian Jazz
20.1980s Australian Jazz Into The Future
21.1990s Aus Jazz Awards
22.2000s The Noughties
23.The Teens 2010s
24.2020s AusJazzToday