Jazz Appreciation Month culminates with events around the world, including the UNESCO sponsored 15th annual International Jazz Day Concert on April 30th, which we have the privilege to be on hand for.
This year, the concert is at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, April 30th - 8pm ET - and will be broadcast worldwide - we have the YouTube link here at the website and on the homepage of WZUM, too.
Led by Herbie Hancock and co-artistic director Kurt Elling, the concert features acclaimed international performers alongside Chicago artists. Confirmed artists include Melissa Aldana, John Beasley (Musical Director), Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Carter, Jacob Collier, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, James Genus, Robert Glasper, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bobby Watson, and Lizz Wright, among many others, including Chicagoans Bobby Broom, Ernest Dawkins, Kurt Elling, Herbie Hancock, Marquis Hill, Joel Ross and Jahari Stampley.
Again - it will be video cast on YouTube starting at 8pm ET -
The band has been dubbed “Indestructible,” featuring Roger Humphries, inspired by the last Art Blakey Jazz Messengers Blue Note release from 1965. The sextet has been assembled by trombonist, composer/arranger and bandleader Reggie Watkins (who also LIVES in Carnegie). Also in the band, Michael Tomaro (sax), Dr. James Moore (trumpet), Michael Bernabe (piano), and Jordan McBride (bass).
From Chicago - we have made connections - including with Maggie Brown - vocalist, songwriter, stage director, producer, and educator, frequent performer and warm presence in Chicago’s overall cultural scene. She’s a 2026 Jazz Hero as noted by the Jazz Journalists Association -and she’s also the daughter of noted poet, songwriter, playright and performer Oscar Brown, Jr.
Also on the program - we visit with Julia Miller, CEO of Chicago’s Delmark Records, with her fascinating story of buying the label from the legendary Bob Koester in 2018; Veteran jazz journalist Howard Mandel (you’ve likely read him and heard him on NPR), another jazz mover and shaker - Drew Tucker of South Arts and Jazz Road - a project to help jazz artists tour the country successfully. Plus - music from Wynton Marsalis, appearing for a major concert at Heinz Hall with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, two choirs and the Pittsburgh Symphony - Saturday May 9th. A new recording of the Farewell Concert by the late Chick Corea, and music from Al Di Meola - the guitarist plays the Oaks Theater, May 7th - and shares with us a story of how Chick recruited Al when Al was still in his teens.
The Scene - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM.
Kris Bowers, Marcus Miller and Herbie Hancock at an April 29 session on film scoring (Terence Blanchard was not able to attend)
Scott Hanley and Julia Miller, Delmark Records
