Jamaica Marks International Jazz Day With Ranny Williams Centre Concert

Jamaica is taking part in International Jazz Day with a concert tonight at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road in St Andrew. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has teamed up with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Jamaica Music Museum to stage the show in support of the worldwide initiative dedicated to the genre.

Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the concert showcases a line-up of leading local and overseas musicians. New York-based multi-instrumentalist Mike McGinnis headlines the bill, joined by pianist Dennis Rushton, bassist Dale Haslam, and the JaMM Big Band, with vocalist Tony Gregory appearing as a special guest.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said jazz has long been woven into Jamaica's musical identity, which is why the local observance has remained a fixture on the cultural calendar for years.

"Hurricane Melissa has really dealt us a blow...However, we are pleased that we are able to stage this concert in observance of International Jazz Day. We all know the power that music has to heal, so as we continue our journey following the hurricane, this is one of the means to restore the spirit of the nation," Grange said.

UNESCO formally proclaimed April 30 as International Jazz Day in November 2011 to spotlight the genre and its role in bringing people together across borders. The day is chaired by the UNESCO Director-General and spearheaded by celebrated pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and chairs the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the non-profit body responsible for planning, promoting and producing the annual celebration.

The worldwide event draws together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics and jazz fans to celebrate the music's history, future and cultural reach, while also building awareness around intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and stronger international cooperation.