Helen Daley

“I can only hope that one day America will recognize that our indigenous music — jazz — is the heart and soul of all popular music, and that we cannot afford to let its legacy slip into obscurity.” — Quincy Jones

April was chosen by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History as Jazz Appreciation Month or JAM in 2001 because many jazz greats were born in that month. The concept was to draw public attention to jazz as an historical and a living treasure. Jazz history plays an important role in America’s cultural heritage and is a great gift to the entire world. Congress even passed Public Law 108-72 in 2003 declaring “(1) the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History should be commended for establishing a Jazz Appreciation Month; and (2) musicians, schools, colleges, libraries, concert halls, museums, radio and television stations, and other organizations should develop programs to explore, perpetuate, and honor jazz as a national and world treasure.”

The Arizona Classic Jazz Society celebrates jazz appreciation year around through monthly jazz programs, an annual three and one-half day festival in November and in-school educational programs for students. Trumpet player and entertainer Dan Reed will take to the stage at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort on April 19 with his Dixieland Hotshots to demonstrate all the fun created by Dixieland jazz. Dan’s belief is that above all else, music must be fun.

The Crowne Plaza San Marcos is located at One San Marcos Place in Chandler. The cost is $10 for ACJS members; $15 non-members (become a member on the April 19 and get in free; yearly membership $35 couple, single $25). For more information, go to www.azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.