American Samoa celebrates its place as the “Pacific’s Birthplace of Jazz” at this year’s UNESCO International Jazz Day — April 30, 2026
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the world celebrateS UNESCO’s 15th International Jazz Day on April 30, with over 190 countries, American Samoa together with Samoa under the umbrella of the

![Mavis Rivers is a pivotal figure in the recognition of American Samoa — as “the Pacific’s’ birthplace of Jazz”, which is part of the celebration of this year’s UNESCO International Jazz Day — April 30, 2026 — “Jazz Across Oceans”. See elsewhere in today’s issue the schedule for this evening’s local UNESCO International Jazz Day performances at local venues. [courtesy graphic] MAVIS RIVERS](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/mavis.jpg?itok=C1Ke5BmY)
![Soldiers from Bravo Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment run through a glasshouse drill during the open house at the Pele U.S. Army Reserve Center in Ili'ili, American Samoa, April 25, 2026. The event was the first of its kind in the territory. [Photo: Staff Sgt. Teresa Cantero] 442nd Infantry Regiment](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/soldiers_from_bravo_company.jpeg?itok=JMCiQ_iS)

![MV Manu‘atele ferry is once again officially back in service, after parts delays of more than a year ago, due to tariff issues. [courtesy photo] MV Manu‘atele ferry](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/manuatele.jpeg?itok=dIu-MPOy)




