Many people don’t realize that jazz music is considered to be a cultural icon. People all over the world listen to the bebop and play on notes as they dance throughout the night.
That’s why this particular time has been dedicated to the celebration of everything related to Jazz. National Jazz Appreciation Month aims to encourage people to learn about the unique and interesting history of this fairly recent music genre.
Celebrate National Jazz Appreciation Month by exploring the jazz musicians of the past, and appreciate the cultural influence that jazz music now has in today’s world.
Brief History of National Jazz Appreciation Month
The history of National Jazz Appreciation Month must first begin with the history of jazz music! Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jazz music began as a interpretation and interweaving of classical music with folk songs from African and slave culture. Developed from the sounds of blues and ragtime, it gave rise to different styles drawing from national, regional, and local musical cultures.
New Orleans is considered to be the home of jazz, where this mix of ragtime, blues, march and other types of music was created. The popularity of jazz music grew from there and has been known for its syncopated rhythms, improvisational sounds and complex harmonies.
Some of the big names in the founding of jazz include Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Louis Armstrong. Many would say that Louis Armstrong, also called “Pops” or “Satchmo”, is one of the most important musicians in the development of jazz music. With his gravelly voice and infectious charm, Armstrong made scat popular and paved the way for future musicians like Ella Fitzgerald.
The year 1980 brought about Jazz Awareness Month created by the Louisiana Jazz Federation. The observance aims to recognize the heritage and history of jazz. Later, National Jazz Appreciation Month was founded by John Edward Hasse, a curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001.
Initially funded by the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, JAM supports the jazz scene, encourages the appreciation of jazz music for all ages. This month was selected because so many famous jazz performers were born during this month.
Many jazz musicians celebrate their birthdays during the month of April, including beloved people such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Herbie Hancock.
The different styles of music produced within the genre, and help shine a spotlight on the historical figures of jazz music. It can also inspire younger generations to dive into the world of music and aim at making a career in the jazz music industry.
So celebrate everything related to jazz music and jazz musicians during National Jazz Appreciation Month!
On International Workers’ Day, the Hamilton and District Labour Council celebrates working class people across our city and around the world of every race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability who fight against fascist, racist, sexist, ableist, white supremacist oppressors who use capitalism to steal workers’ homes, wages, pensions, benefits, food security, healthcare and lives!
On May 1st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the working class people of our community will gather in solidarity at Gage Park to strengthen our resolve to fight for working class people everywhere!
There will be live music with tents and activities set up by union locals and community groups from around the city.
If you are a union local or community group who is an ally of the labour movement and would like to set up a table for this event to encourage members to attend and have some community engagement, please contact Anthony Marco at amarco@rogers.com.
It began in 1977 as an annual event created to heighten awareness and increase exposure for Canada’s country music artists.
Today, Country Music Week is made up of three components: a music festival, which includes CCMA Fan Village, a Songwriters’ Series, talent showcases, FanFest, and the Legends Show; the CCMA Awards Show, which is a two-hour live, television special highlighting a year in country music; as well as an industry conference which allows the Canadian country music industry to honour those working behind the scenes via educational workshops and seminars, networking receptions, awards ceremonies and much more!
The Redhill Valleys at Canadian Country Music Awards
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