The Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents festival is organizing “Ici jazz kids”, a day of introduction to jazz for 5,000 children on April 30.
On the occasion of International Jazz Day, celebrated worldwide on April 30, Marseille is transformed into a giant stage for the youngest. Under the aegis of the Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents festival, in partnership with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute, the “Here jazz kids” event offers total immersion in the world of jazz for more than 5,000 schoolchildren and high school students from the Marseille city. This initiative aims to make this universal musical language accessible from a young age.
A large-scale mobilization across the entire territory
On April 30, the city will vibrate to the rhythm of 19 concerts organized simultaneously in 16 different locations, involving a total of 61 musicians. The device is exceptional : the performances will be held directly in the heart of educational establishments, with 12 participating schools, but also in partner cultural places such as the Théâtre de l’Astronef or Le Talus, and even within the Salvator hospital (AP-HM). This approach aims to place jazz at the center of children’s daily lives and create a collective and immersive artistic experience.
An educational and creative adventure
Beyond the concerts, the project has a strong educational dimension. No fewer than 37 mediation actions are planned, including writing workshops. These will allow students to imagine a dialogue with the legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, godfather of the world event, by sending him thousands of postcards via his foundation. This “Great Jazz Correspondence” aims to unite artists, educational teams and families around the values of sharing and cultural openness.
“Here Jazz Kids confirms the commitment of Marseille Jazz of the Five Continents to artistic creation and access to culture for all. He wants to create dialogue between cultures, support artists and transmit the passion for jazz. In a tormented world, art and culture continue to maintain the link » underlines Hugues Kieffer, director of the festival.
An eclectic program for all tastes
The programming has been designed to offer a rich and varied panorama of the multiple facets of jazz. Children will be able to discover very diverse forms, ranging from interactive concerts to musical tales through multidisciplinary performances. Among the proposals, we find:
*Â Â Sachem – The Jazz Child : a nomadic and ecological jazz mixing improvisation and instruments made from recycled objects.
*  Brass Band Organisé : a festive fanfare inspired by the energy of New Orleans, which will accompany the first steps of the fanfare class of the Bernard Cadenat school.
*Â Â Edgar’s Stories : a poetic musical tale mixing narration and improvisation.
*Â Â Banjo Groove Memory Kids : a creation specially adapted for the children of Salvator Hospital, drawing on Afro-diasporic cultures, hip-hop and dub.
*Â Â Origins Trio – Ahamada Smis : a musical journey to the Indian Ocean, where Comorian traditions meet slam and jazz.
This day aims to awaken the curiosity of young people, to promote the local artistic scene and to reaffirm the place of jazz as a vector of dialogue and peace.
The detailed program of the day “Ici jazz kids” is available on the official website of the festival: https://www.marseillejazz.com/ici-jazz-kids/
