The Chicago Jazz Alliance leads Chicago’s role as the official Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2026, a UNESCO-recognized celebration uniting more than 190 countries each year through the power of jazz. Observed annually on April 30, the event features concerts, education initiatives, community outreach, and a globally broadcast All-Star concert.

In 2026, Chicago will host the 15th Anniversary celebration, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, positioning the city at the center of a landmark cultural moment.

The Alliance is an Illinois not-for-profit composed of leaders from arts and civic organizations across Chicagoland. Our mission is to convene Chicago’s jazz and blues artists, venues, educators, and philanthropic partners to collaborate, strengthen the ecosystem, and sustain the future of the music.

Local programming was initiated by Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and is led by Tony Karman, founder of EXPO Chicago. Key partners include Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Jazz Institute of Chicago, Ravinia Festival, and Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, among others. The effort is undertaken in partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, with Quintin Primo III and Michael Reschke serving as Host City Co-Chairs.

Together, partners will deliver month-long programming across Chicago’s neighborhoods, including masterclasses, concerts, youth initiatives, and collaborations with cultural, educational, and civic institutions—celebrating Chicago’s legacy in jazz while advancing its future.