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In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
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Vocalist Dianne Reeves is among the jazz stars who will take part in an April 30 live-streamed concert to celebrate International Jazz Day.
(Photo: Jerris Madison)Vocalist Dianne Reeves, guitarist John Scofield, organist Joey DeFrancesco and saxophonist Igor Butman are among the dozens of artists who will take part in an April 30 virtual concert to be streamed live on the International Jazz Day website.
For the previous eight editions of IJD, the festivities have included an all-star concert held in a city of historical and cultural significance. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show will be a virtual event streamed live from various remote locations, starting at 3 p.m. EST. Among other scheduled concert participants are John McLaughlin, Jane Monheit, Alune Wade, John Beasley, Ben Williams, Lizz Wright, Evgeny Pobozhiy, Youn Sun Nah, A Bu and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
International Jazz Day also will feature previously recorded video submissions from musicians around the world.
Additionally, in the hours leading up to the all-star concert, a free series of educational master classes, children’s activities and discussions will be streamed on the IJD website. These events will be delivered in six languages and will include a master class by pianist Danilo Pérez (presented in Spanish) and a children’s activity offered by Bridgewater (presented in French).
Keyboardist Herbie Hancock—who serves as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and co-chair of International Jazz Day—will be the host of the April 30 event.
“These are unprecedented times for world citizens and we are most grateful for the support, understanding and partnership of our Jazz Day community,” Hancock said in a March 24 statement. “Armed with optimism, patience and grace, we’ll work through these challenges as families, communities, countries and as a stronger united world. Now more than ever before, let’s band together and spread the ethics of Jazz Day’s global movement around the planet and use this as a golden opportunity for humankind to reconnect especially in the midst of all this isolation and uncertainty.” DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
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