International Jazz Day

The turn of the 20th century brought the world a musical breakthrough with an earthy blend of African beat and European-generated American harmony. Millions have loved jazz ever since.

Jazz has been free as the wind since it became popular — it never followed strict rules but established its own. Blues and swing and improvisation were the most exciting contributions of the first jazz musicians, most of whom had no musical education at all.

Jazz is more than music. It's a feeling that brings the world together. It's impossible to overestimate its impact on music. It echoes in every modern tune of every genre and style.

The role of jazz in society was officially confirmed in 2011, when UNESCO established International Jazz Day on April 30. It is celebrated in major cities in the world with festivals of the best bands and solo performers representing different forms of jazz.

In 2013 main celebrations were in Istanbul, the site of a globally recognized annual jazz festival since 1994.

In 2014 celebrations opened in Osaka, Japan, with stage performances, educational programs and diverse public events.

This year's International Jazz Day is hosted by Paris. It has been among the main jazz scenes since the end of WWI, and France is known as the second greatest jazzland after the United States.