Australian jazz great James Morrison will perform for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House later this month.
Morrison was chosen to contribute to all all-star line-up alongside some of the world’s biggest names including Aretha Franklin, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall and many other giants of jazz to be announced.
The White House will house the 5th annual International Jazz Day on April 29. The show will be filmed and broadcast as ‘Jazz In The White House’ on April 30 on ABC America.
In a statement James Morrison said, “I am delighted to be performing for the President of the United States and the First Lady. I have played for Presidents Bush and Clinton on their official visits to Australia, but to play for President Obama at the White House will be extra special. And to perform with so many great artists from around the world in such a wonderful setting shows that what jazz does best is bring people together, often in ways that nothing else can.”
The inclusion of Morrison on the White House line-up is a major coup for Australian music. “This invitation also shows the respect the Australian jazz scene commands around the world, especially in the USA – the home of jazz. It shows Australian jazz is up there with the very best,” Morrison said.
International Jazz Day is an initiative of UNESCO and presented each year on April 30th in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promoting intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and uniting people from all corners of the globe. The day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations.
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