The Tucson Jazz Society is pleased to present their contribution to the International Day of Jazz.

International Jazz Day is an international day declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” It is celebrated annually on April 30th. The idea came from jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Jazz Day is chaired by Hancock and the UNESCO Director-General. The celebration is recognized on the calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.

International Jazz Day is an international day declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.”

This year’s celebration in Tucson will feature jazz saxophonist Neamen Lyles, author of an ascending career, and creator of a dynamic new CD as well-conceived and produced as anything in the genre in a long while. This young man’s musical journey, with the accomplishments and associations that comprise it, is just getting rolling. It’s worth a watch and a listen.

Also, for your listening pleasure we are featuring Edna & Ely B-Cool, with saxophonist Malik Alkabir. Both Ely and Edna were in the music industry in Hong Kong for 13 years. Inspired by their success in Hong Kong, they have prospered in the industry. Audiences have enjoyed their transition from Bicol, Philippines to B-Cool Music. Their music genre sound is: Smooth Jazz, R&B, Soul, Old School, Motown, Classic, Standards, Contemporary, Pop, Latin and American contemporary music.

Malik Alkabir, extraordinary player, revered teacher, has spent his life making music all over the world, inspiring students to greater heights.

Also, on the playbill is sensational pianist Chris Peña. Born in Tucson, Peña grew up in a musical family surrounded by cassette tapes full of jazz, soul & funk. After establishing himself in Phoenix, Chris shared the stage with jazz artists Eric Schneider, Wycliffe Gordon, Bob Mintzer, Donny McCaslin, and Chris Cheek while in the ASU and Scottsdale Community College Big Bands. Chris also played with local artists such as Dom Moio, Brice Winston, Dmitri Matheny, and Pete Swan. Performing throughout the Southwest and in Mexico, he has made multiple appearances at the Tucson Jazz Society, the Tucson Jazz Festival, at Tour De Fat, Arizona Mardi Gras, Talking Stick’s Oktoberfest, Paradise Valley Jazz Party, and the Chandler Jazz Festival.

COME GET YOUR JAZZ ON!