This International Jazz Day, JAZZ.FM91 is bringing the celebration directly to listeners with an unforgettable live broadcast featuring world-class performances from acclaimed Canadian and international jazz artists.
Join JAZZ.FM91 on Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a special Live to Air concert. Broadcasting in real time, the station will showcase an exceptional lineup of talent, highlighting the very best in jazz. This year’s theme is the influence of Canada’s own Joni Mitchell on Jazz.
The festivities begin with host Raina Hersh, who will lead a series of in-studio performances featuring celebrated Canadian jazz artists Ewen Farncombe, Jonathan Meyer, Norbert Botos, Alex Bird, Sammy Jackson and Joanna Majoko.
The celebration continues as Jeff Chalmers takes over Afternoon Drive, featuring a special live performance and interview with Laila Biali. Biali will perform two songs by Joni Mitchell on piano, accompanied by Ben Wittman on drums.
Established in 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by the UNESCO Director-General and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Every year on April 30, International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots as well as its future and impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz lover or are just tuning in for the first time, JAZZ.FM91 invites you to celebrate International Jazz Day 2026 with us as we bring Canada to the world in celebration of Joni Mitchell.
Tune in at 91.1 FM in the Greater Toronto Area or stream live at jazz.fm.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Wayne Williams
Program Director, JAZZ.FM91
wwilliams@jazz.fm
416-595-0404 ext. 225