Jazz Appreciation Month, opens a new window (JAM) is a music festival held every April in recognition of the significant contribution that jazz music has made to society. The aim of this annual event is to pay tribute to jazz for its historic and cultural significance by encouraging schools, governments, and organizations to participate in various events such as free jazz concerts and educational events.
JAM was first established in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, a curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, opens a new window. It was initially funded by the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, opens a new window, whose archives are currently housed at the Smithsonian.
Through jazz-focused events, JAM works to support today’s jazz scene and encourage an appreciation of jazz music in people of all ages. Throughout the month of April, people will be encouraged to participate in jazz activities such as studying jazz music, attending jazz concerts, reading books, or simply listening to good jazz music.
This year the San Mateo County Libraries feature local jazz musicians who embrace the spirit, insight, and beauty of jazz. Many of our featured jazz musicians this year are women, including Kristen Strom, opens a new window, Tiffany Austin, opens a new window, and Michelle Pollace, opens a new window.
Take a look at our full listing of free jazz concerts at a library near you and come enjoy the music!
Don't want to wait? Start listening to jazz right now! Hoopla has lots of great jazz albums you can stream from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Happy listening!
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