In 2011, April 30 was marked as International Jazz Day (IJD) by UNESCO. Since its beginnings, it has quickly sparked a massive international celebration, with more than 190 countries participating around the world.

With jazz legend Herbie Hancock as chair, the IJD champions the importance of, and love for, a genre that unifies across cultures and countries, honours the diversity of its performers and composers, and platforms an open dialogue surrounding racial and gender equality.

Jade Nye. Photo Courtesy of Dingo Jazz

With an All-Star Global Concert to be streamed on its website and YouTube channels on April 30 at 6am AEST, IJD also sees the joy of the genre spread to Australia. 

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the events taking place across Australia in honour of the day.

This year, Victoria celebrates IJD in a big way.

On 28 April, the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music sees students and staff join forces for an evening concert, with saxophonist Sandy Evans appearing as its...