WTJX will present two screenings of “International Jazz Day from St. Petersburg” — from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at WTJX Richmond Office, St. Croix; and from 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 17, at Yacht Haven Grande. This is a free community event.
People are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
On April 30, 2018, a diverse group of world-renowned artists came together from all over the world for a global concert, recorded at St. Petersburg’s famed Mariinsky Theatre. The event took place on International Jazz Day, the one day each year that jazz is celebrated worldwide.
The concert’s many historic moments include an unforgettable performance by The Manhattan Transfer, along with Jazz Day debuts by Malian phenom Fatoumata Diawara and Moroccan sintir master Hassan Hakmoun.
The ensemble cast of performers channels the soul and spirit of jazz through swinging renditions of such tunes as “Too Close for Comfort,” featuring vocalists Dianne Reeves and Kurt Elling with organist Joey DeFrancesco; “Actual Proof” with pianist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa; and Victor Young’s classic “Stella By Starlight” interpreted by pianist Robert Glasper, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.
For more information, call WTJX on St. Croix at 718-3339 or on St. Thomas at 774-6255.
About International Jazz Day
For more than a century, the truly American music of jazz has promoted peace, diversity, individual expression, dialogue among cultures and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day highlights the unifying attributes of this music through live performances, education programs and special events worldwide. It was first celebrated in 2012 and is recognized on the official calendars of both the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
