Welcome to the Jazz Age — or at least Jazz Appreciation Month! Today, in honor of JAM, the 501 on First Blog has some info about how to celebrate jazz. The Jazz Age was the term coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald to describe the flamboyant "anything goes" era that was a feature of the 1920s. Jazz music, characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a lively, strong rhythm, was introduced during the Harlem Renaissance, the African-American artistic and literary movement. Jazz music somehow typified the nonconformist aspirations of youth that dominated the shocking new fashions and lifestyles that emerged during the 1920's "Jazz Age." Several Minnesota natives were part of the age of jazz, including Wally Besser and Harry Blons both contributing to the legacy of jazz.
We have some suggestions for ways to make JAM a part of your month:
— Attend a jazz concert at a local concert hall, performing arts organization, church, school, college, or jazz society.
— Follow your favorite musicians or groups on social media.
— Seek out new jazz music, musicians, and albums.
— Share your favorite music, musicians, or new finds with friends and peers.
— Read a biography about one of your favorite jazz musicians, jazz poetry, or other jazz book – fiction or nonfiction.
— Tune into a local jazz radio station or online radio station or playlist.
— Make a pilgrimage to your favorite jazz city, jazz museum, or to a musician's birthplace or gravesite.
— Watch a jazz documentary, film, or performance.
— Join your local jazz society (If none exists, organize one!).
— Subscribe to a jazz magazine or other publication online or in print.
— Host jazz listening sessions.
— Hold a jazz-themed party in honor of a favorite musician, or to celebrate jazz in general. Reserve the clubhouse, dress to the nines, and host a party right here at 501 on First!
If you prefer a night of theater over a night of jazz music, head on over to the Civic Center (fewer than 10 minutes away from 501 on First) and catch a show. The Drowsy Chaperone runs through April 9th, and in May you can catch, Heaven Can Wait. Check out the Rochester Civic Theatre Company website for details. Thanks for reading today’s blog post!