The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts will join the world in celebrating International Jazz Day this Saturday, April 30.

The festivities will take on a more varied tone with a Saturday market-styled artisan village and concert featuring performances from staff and students of the schools of music and dance in celebration of jazz.

There will also be an exhibition mounted by the students of the School of Visual Arts, and patrons will be able to participate in the painting of a special mural under the guidance of professional artists. The artisan village opens at 11:00 am with featured performances throughout the day. There is no cost to enter the day event, and patrons are reminded to mask up when entering the gate and allow for sanitisation.

The day closes with Rhythm, Rhymes and Storytime at the School of Drama amphitheatre at 6:30 pm, featuring the participants of the recently held storytelling competition What’s Your Story, Jamaica?. This competition was produced by Jamaican actress and writer Debra Ehrhardt. Among those participating are Basil Waine King, musician Aston Ellis, poet Yashika Graham, and singer/actress GiHRL.

International Jazz Day was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. It is celebrated annually on April 30 and recognised on the calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.

International Jazz Day celebrates the rich history of Jazz; 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. International Jazz Day 2021 saw over 190 countries participate in the worldwide celebration, with an all-star global concert for the first time featuring artists performing from cities across the globe. With segments shot on location in New York, Los Angeles, London, Monaco, Paris, Moscow, Cape Town, Tokyo, and Rio De Janeiro, among other locations.