Jazz lovers around the world unite every year on April 30th for International Jazz Day, a celebration of the profound and lasting impact jazz has had on culture, history, and society. In 2025, this international event reaches a new pinnacle with the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, set to take place at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event promises to showcase the very best of jazz, with world-renowned musicians from across the globe coming together to perform live in a spectacular fusion of tradition and innovation.
Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip- hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Ruthie Foster (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India).
But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Abu Dhabi—The Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station is here to bring the magic of live jazz performances to your home! As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best jazz experiences, we’ll be broadcasting tonight’s special Radio Show, featuring live jazz songs from iconic performances, including tracks from the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert. Tune in and join us for an unforgettable evening of pure jazz artistry!
The Significance of International Jazz Day
International Jazz Day is not just about the music—it’s a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and global unity that jazz embodies. Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011, the day is meant to highlight the importance of jazz in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds. Jazz, in its many forms, has become a universal language that transcends borders and connects people in a shared experience of creativity and freedom.
Every year, the day culminates in the All-Star Global Concert, which takes place at a different venue each year and features performances by a diverse array of jazz legends, rising stars, and cross-cultural collaborations. This year’s concert, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, is expected to be one of the most exciting yet, bringing together an eclectic lineup of musicians from across continents to celebrate jazz in all its forms.
What to Expect from the 2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert
Held at one of the most modern and stunning venues in the Middle East, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the 2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a live jazz spectacle. Abu Dhabi, known for its rich cultural tapestry, provides the perfect backdrop for an event that showcases the unifying power of jazz music.
The concert will feature performances from some of the most celebrated jazz artists in the world. Expect collaborations between musicians of different genres, styles, and backgrounds, as they come together to honor the improvisational spirit of jazz. From soulful ballads to energetic bebop, from Latin jazz to modern fusion, this concert will be an all-encompassing celebration of jazz’s versatility and global reach.
Among the performers slated to take the stage are Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding, Wynton Marsalis, and Dianne Reeves—each a towering figure in the jazz world. These legendary artists will be joined by a host of internationally acclaimed musicians from the Arab world, Europe, Africa, and beyond, making for a truly cosmopolitan event.
The All-Star Global Concert is not only about the music but also about bringing together the cultural communities that jazz connects. It’s a reminder that no matter where we come from, jazz unites us through its shared language of rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
Watch the Concert Live on The Improv Cafe’ Website
If you’re unable to make it to Abu Dhabi, you can still be part of this global celebration by tuning in to the Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station! We’ll be streaming the entire International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert live on our website, so you can enjoy all the performances from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, our special Radio Show tonight will feature live tracks from past performances, including iconic jazz moments from the concert series, as well as exclusive previews of what to expect from this year’s show. We’ll be playing live jazz from legendary performances, offering a virtual taste of the magic that happens when jazz giants take the stage.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz aficionado or new to the genre, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds that have shaped music history. Our radio station is dedicated to bringing you the finest live jazz tracks, and tonight’s broadcast promises to be a show you won’t want to miss.
Why Jazz Continues to Thrive Worldwide
Jazz has been described as the only true American art form, but its influence extends far beyond the United States. From its roots in African-American communities in the early 20th century, jazz has evolved into a global phenomenon. Today, jazz is as vital and relevant as ever, with vibrant scenes flourishing in cities all over the world—from New York and Paris to Tokyo, Cape Town, and now Abu Dhabi.
The International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert is a testament to this global impact. By showcasing the diverse styles and interpretations of jazz from around the world, this event demonstrates how jazz continues to evolve, yet remains rooted in its tradition of improvisation and creativity. Every performance, every note played, is a continuation of a musical conversation that has been happening for over a century—and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Join Us for Tonight’s Radio Show
Don’t forget to tune into The Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station tonight for a special Radio Station featuring live jazz songs from iconic performances, including previews of the 2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or preparing for a night of relaxation, our station will provide the perfect soundtrack of live jazz performances that will transport you to the very heart of the world’s most renowned festivals.
Listen live on our website for a musical journey like no other, and don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of International Jazz Day in real-time. You can find the concert stream directly on The Improv Cafe’ website, where every song played tonight celebrates the freedom, creativity, and spontaneity that jazz is known for.
Join us as we celebrate Jazz in its purest form, live from Abu Dhabi. You won’t want to miss the energy, passion, and improvisational brilliance that will unfold on stage at the Etihad Arena. Let’s keep the spirit of jazz alive together—tune in to The Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station tonight!
About The Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station
The Improv Cafe’ Jazz Radio Station is your go-to destination for the best in live jazz music, featuring top performances from renowned festivals, legendary artists, and emerging stars. With a focus on providing listeners with an immersive experience, our station plays a wide variety of live jazz tracks—from classic standards to contemporary improvisations. Tune in for exclusive live sets, artist interviews, and special broadcasts like tonight’s International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert.