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President Obama to host International Jazz Day concert at White House

In this Feb. 24 file photo, Andra Day and Anthony Hamilton perform for President Barack Obama, front row, lower right, and others during the In Performance at the White House series in the East Room of the White House, in Washington. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)
Darlene Superville Associated Press

WASHINGTON – International Jazz Day, one of the world’s biggest celebrations of jazz, is coming to the White House.

President Barack Obama plans to host a blockbuster concert on April 29 featuring such artists as Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, Sting, Herbie Hancock and many others.

The show is to be televised by ABC the following day, on April 30 – the fifth anniversary of International Jazz Day.

UNESCO and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz are the sponsors of International Jazz Day, a worldwide celebration of jazz music.

Hancock is a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. He tells The Associated Press that jazz is a musical language that’s understood worldwide.

He says jazz helps bring down barriers and helps bring people together.