MARSEILLE: Culture

On the occasion of Jazz Day, Marseille Jazz from the five continents is organizing a day of concerts and workshops for over 5,000 young people.

At the initiative of the Marseille Jazz from the five continents festival, and in partnership with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute, the city of Marseille is preparing to experience an exceptional musical day dedicated to youth. On April 30th, in celebration of International Jazz Day, the “Ici Jazz Kids” event will unfold a significant program aiming to introduce jazz to over 5,000 children and high school students from the Phocaean city. In total, 19 concerts will be held simultaneously in 16 locations, including 12 schools, cultural spaces, and a hospital.

An exceptional mobilization for youth

This initiative, named “Jazz at child’s height,” represents an unprecedented mobilization in the Marseille region. Sixty-one musicians will perform throughout the day to offer young people an immersive and collective artistic experience. The ambition is to make jazz accessible from an early age, promote its universal language, and inspire future artists and audiences. The event brings together artists, educational teams, educational staff, and families around a common passion. “Ici Jazz Kids” confirms the commitment of Marseille Jazz from the five continents to artistic creation and access to culture for all. It aims to facilitate dialogue between cultures, support artists, and instill a passion for jazz. In a troubled world, art and culture continue to maintain the bond,” emphasizes Hugues Kieffer, festival director.

A pedagogical and creative project

Beyond the concerts, “Ici Jazz Kids” stands out for its educational component. A total of 37 mediation actions are planned, including writing workshops. As part of a project called “The Grand Jazz Correspondence,” students are invited to imagine a dialogue with the legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, sponsor of the international event, by sending him thousands of postcards through his foundation. This initiative aims to arouse children’s curiosity and transform jazz into a space for meeting and exchange, in line with the recommendations of the Charter for Artistic and Cultural Education.

A rich and decentralized program

On April 30th, a diverse artistic program will be offered, ranging from musical tales to interactive educational concerts, original creations, and multidisciplinary performances. The program will involve multiple locations, from schools in the northern districts (Félix Pyat, Bernard Cadenat) to high schools and colleges in the city (Victor Hugo, Jules Ferry), as well as cultural spaces such as Théâtre de l’Astronef and Le Talus, and will even extend to the Salvator Hospital of the AP-HM.

Among the offerings, the public will discover the nomadic and ecological jazz of Sachem with “The Jazz Child,” the festive energy of the “Brass Band Organis” inspired by New Orleans, or contemporary creations like “Banjo Groove Memory Kids” exploring Afro-diasporic cultures. Projects such as “The Metamorphosis of Chat Bada” or “The Stories of Edgar” will offer a narrative and poetic approach, while the Afro-jazz of “Afropean Project” will resonate with weaving rhythms.

The complete program and practical information are available on the event’s website: https://www.marseillejazz.com/ici-jazz-kids/