International Jazz Day (IJD) is here again and the Ghana Jazz Foundation in collaboration with the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra, have lined up trumpeter Milena Casado and singer Jackie Ribas, both from the United States and the GHJazz Collective for a concert on May 3, 2025 to mark that important occasion for Jazz enthusiasts.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) instituted International Jazz Day in 2011 to raise awareness of Jazz and its unique role as a force for uniting people all over the world. Concerts have been held on April 30 at +233 since 2012 to observe the day. This year’s concert is, however, on May 3.

Trumpeter, composer and bandleader, Milena Casado, is an extremely visible personality on the international Jazz scene at the moment. Her versatility enables her to effectively fuse different strands of Jazz, thus appealing to a wide audience. 

Her unique and deeply personal approach to music has earned her appearances at several of the world’s top venues and festivals. These include Carnegie Hall, The Village Vanguard, The Kennedy Centre, North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival.

Casado’s debut album is ‘Reflection of Another Self’, and she is eager to share material from that collection and more with music enthusiasts in Accra.

Singer Jackie Ribas performed at the 2024 IJD concert at +233. She was simple and charming on stage and many +233 faithful would be happy to see her back. She is definitely a first-rate singer and those who missed her last year have another chance to catch her brilliant singing and repertoire.

 The GHJazz Collective is obviously the best-known Jazz outfit in this country. Comprising Bernard Ayisa (saxophone), Victor Dey (piano), Frank Kissi (drums) and Gaddiel Amoah (electric bass), the band stretched their wings to South Africa last year and played in Nigeria last February. They will bring their usual flexibility and intensity to entertain patrons at the May 3 gig.

Musicians from other places that have featured at previous IJD concerts at +233 include singer Pilani Bubu (South Africa), saxophonist Godwin Louis, trumpeter Bruce Harris and guitarist Colter Harper (United States), guitarist Jack Muguna (Kenya), trumpeter Nicholas Genest (France) and bassist Manu Falla (Benin). 

Discerning music lovers can certainly look forward to another action-packed  IJD concert at +233 from 8.30pm on May 3.