UNESCO, Hitman Jazz and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit to host International Jazz Day 2024 Celebration in Bangkok

Experience an evening of pure jazz magic at the International Jazz Day 2024 celebration, orchestrated by Mr Vichart Jirathiyut of Hitman Jazz in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok. We extend a gracious invitation to jazz enthusiasts to join us for an unforgettable celebration of UNESCO’s globally recognized International Jazz Day 2024 at The Living Room, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

As an evening dedicated to celebrating cultural vibrancy and artistic excellence, this distinguished event promises an experience of unparalleled splendor and musical enchantment. It pays homage to the rich heritage and universal allure of jazz—a genre that transcends borders and fosters unity among individuals from diverse backgrounds, all in a harmonious celebration of creativity and expression.

As summarized on the official website of IJD managed by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in November 2011, 'the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated 30 April as International Jazz Day 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 Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Institute, which is the nonprofit entity charged with planning, promoting and producing this annual celebration.'

At the heart of this extraordinary gathering lies an exclusive fireside chat with none other than Mr Vichart Jirathiyut, a luminary in the world of jazz. Mr Jirathiyut, revered as the visionary behind the prestigious record label, Hitman Jazz, and distinguished former Managing Director of EMI (Thailand) Ltd., brings a wealth of experience and insight garnered from a storied career spanning over two decades in the music industry. Guests will have the rare opportunity to delve into the depths of his musical journey, exploring the nuances of his craft and the profound impact of jazz on both global and regional, Asia-Pacific culture.

Accompanying Mr Jirathiyut at this esteemed gathering will be Ms Soohyun Kim, Regional Director, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok; Honorable Robert F. Godec, US Ambassador to Thailand; and Dr Narong Prangcharoen, Dean of the College of Music at Mahidol University. Brief opening remarks by Ms Kim and Ambassador Godec will be followed by a first set of musical performance. Then, the distinguished speakers will participate along with others in an informal 'Fireside Chat' on jazz and its cultural heritage worldwide. Discussants will share their unique perspectives, expertise and artistic outlook on jazz and its enduring place in the lives of current and future generations, as well as its unique ability to foster intercultural understanding and peace among the world’s diverse societies. Following the Fireside Chat, guests can mingle and enjoy more music until late night.

Prepare to be captivated by live performances of exquisite jazz music, expertly curated by Mr Jirathiyut featuring SUNNY TRIO AND NATT BUTITA and JAZZ SYNERGY, from soulful ballads to lively improvisations, each note will resonate with timeless allure, inviting guests on a transcendent journey through boundless sensory realms of musical expression.

The Sunny Trio & Natt Buntita 

Sunny Trio & Natt Buntita is a special collaboration between Thailand’s top jazz artists Rattana ‘Sunny’ Wongsansern—one of the region’s most virtuosic pianists and composers—and Thailand’s prolific and award-winning jazz vocalist Natt Buntita Prachamorn.

Sunny Rattana graduated in classical piano performance with first-class honors from Chulalongkorn University. Starting out as a self-taught artist, he studied with jazz and pop pianist Nu Vudthivichai. Sunny has received awards from Thailand Jazz Competition, HM the King’s Trophy for the Jazz Band, Outstanding Musician Award, and winner of the Outstanding Musician Award at the Greeley Jazz Festival, USA.

Natt Buntita, often dubbed 'Thailand’s First Lady of Jazz,' is known for her incomparable musical ability with a bop-flavored, scat singing technique. She was awarded Best Jazz Vocalist from Thailand Jazz Competition, by Silpakorn University, the premier jazz competition regionally under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej (1927-2016).

Jazz Synergy

Meet Jazz Synergy, an exciting band comprising talented individuals from the esteemed Silpakorn University. Led by the dynamic rhythm of Jirat Phonsangthip on drums, accompanied by the soulful melodies of Ronnakit Kridsamon on saxophone and the electrifying guitar riffs of Peerawat Decha. Adding to the ensemble's allure is Chockanan Sinsadok, whose captivating vocals infuse each performance with emotion and depth. Anchoring the band's sound is the skillful bassist, Benjamin Laotrakulngam. Together, Jazz Synergy delivers captivating performances that showcase their passion for jazz and dedication to musical excellence.

Join us as we embark on a journey into the heart of jazz, where artistry meets innovation and tradition intersects with modernity. This International Jazz Day celebration promises to be an evening of opulent jazz mastery, where music aficionados and cultural enthusiasts alike will converge to revel in the magic of jazz.

Date and time: 30th April 2024, 18:30 – 21:30 hrs.

For participation, please call: +66 (0) 2649 8888 or email: bkklcdining(at)marriott(dot)co

For media liaison, please contact Russarin Viravat - Director of Marketing Communications 
Tel: +66 (0) 2649 8640 or email: russarin.viravat(at)luxurycollection(dot)com

See also: Event page on International Jazz Day's website

#Cultural&CreativeIndustries #Creativity&CulturalDiversity

In the words of the great jazz artist Nina Simone, 'Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking.' The story of jazz is written in the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. UNESCO believes in the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, and this is why in November 2011, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as 'International Jazz Day.' 

This Day, now managed by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, is intended to raise awareness of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for empathy, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz annually embrace the Day as an opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies. For more information, please visit: https://www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day

'Since wars begin in the minds of people, it is in the minds of people that the defenses of peace must be constructed.' – UNESCO Constitution, 1945 

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2,300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2,000 World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13,000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.