In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.

This year, International Jazz Day will be celebrated by every single country on all seven continents around the world, with the main attraction taking place in Paris.

Bermuda’s celebrations have taken place over the course of this month, recognised as Jazz Appreciation Month, finishing with the International Jazz Day Proclamation on the steps of City Hall on Thursday and a jazz supper in the evening honouring Clarence “Tootsie” Bean, Bermuda’s last living legend.

Wendell “Shine” Hayward, the organiser and one of Bermuda’s better-known musicians, said: “Over the past month, we wanted to celebrate and highlight the impact of jazz throughout history, by offering jazz suppers in various locations across the Island. Our chosen venues have been Paradise Lounge, Bootsies at The Grand, Sandys Secondary Middle School, RAA Club and the Spinning Wheel.

“Much of the music we listen to today was influenced by jazz — the artists and the musicians. Hence, our objective was not to convert the listening ears, but to raise their level of appreciation for this revered art form. During the jazz suppers, we showcased all local musicians. Attendees were serenaded by The Other Band, Randy Lambert, Keible Hart, The Stephan Furbert Trio, young saxophonist Aaron Spencer and Mr Hayward, complemented by a four-course meal from Quality Catering. Evenings concluded with a video presentation of international jazz legends hosted by Ramsey Lewis.

On Thursday, Bermuda will be participating with a proclamation on the steps of City Hall from 12.15pm, with music by Tony Bari’s Trio and saxophonist Desmond Smith for the lunchtime crowd. The day will end with the celebration of Mr Bean. Music will be performed by guitarist Dayton Wharton, Mr Hayward and the Bermuda School of Music Jazz Ensemble.

“‘Tootsie’ has been a major influence in my own musical journey,” Mr Hayward said. “He is world-renowned, having performed with many other legends home and abroad. Apart from his amazing talent, I most admire ‘Tootsie’ for realising the need for him to leave Bermuda in pursuit of his dream, but for also returning to Bermuda to enjoy his home, family and friends. To have such a phenomenal talent from our shores still actively with us is definitely worth celebrating.”

The dinner and show package is $75 and general admission is $30.

Doors open at the Spinning Wheel Night club at 6.30pm, with the dinner being served at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased online from bdatix.bm and Piano’s Plus.

Thanks and appreciation is given to the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sport, Paradise Lounge, Bootsies at The Grand, Sandys Secondary Middle School, RAA Club and the Spinning Wheel for their support.

Interested persons can go online to www.jazzday.com for more global information.