Herbie Hancock to celebrate International Jazz Day with all-star concert in Osaka, Japan

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Herbie Hancock reckons he’s performed more often in Japan than in his hometown of Chicago. The pianist will be back next month for an all-star concert at Osaka Castle Park highlighting the third annual International Jazz Day.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has chosen Osaka as the host city for International Jazz Day 2014, which will be celebrated around the world on April 30.

Hancock, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, says it’s an opportunity to show appreciation for Japanese jazz fans who have been among the world’s greatest supporters of the music for decades.

The lineup for the Osaka concert includes Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding and Dee Dee Bridgewater as well as leading Japanese jazz artists Toshiko Akiyoshi and Terumasa Hino.

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