Dancing with the Dolphin: Herbie Hancock at International Jazz Day in St. Petersburg

Dancing with the Dolphin: Herbie Hancock and International Jazz Day in St. Petersburg!

Many thanks to Jeffrey Levenson who invited Ulli Sych, head of the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, and myself to this inspiring event, organized by the United Nations and UNESCO. IJD celebrates Jazz as a universal musical language and highlights its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. Maybe International Jazz Day might dance a Viennese waltz in the future. JAM MUSIC LAB would appreciate it very much! 

It was a very big pleasure to meet and listen to musical director, John Beasley and the IJD All Star Band with Brandford Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, Igor Butman, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Robert Glasper, Gilad Hekselman, Taku Hirano, The Manhattan Transfer, Ben Williams and many others. Many thanks to photographer Steve Mundinger! (Marcus Ratka)

About International Jazz Day  

International Jazz Day 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; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change. (https://jazzday.com/about/)