The Mayor of Austin has proclaimed April as Jazz Appreciation Month in Austin. In a ceremony held in the Austin city council chambers Thursday April 12th, Mayor pro-tem Sheryl Cole presented the proclamation to founding members of the Austin Jazz Alliance, Fito Kahn and Paul Klemperer. the proclamation read:
Be it Known that Whereas, The Austin Jazz Alliance shines the spotlight on the extraordianry history of jazz and its importance to the American culture; and Whereas,Through concerts, lectures, films and other programs, Austin Jazz Alliance encourages people of all ages to attent concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, study the music and support institutional jazz programs; and Whereas,There is live jazz happening almost every day of this month. Visit the Austin Jazz Alliance calendar to find out Now, Therefore,
I, Lee Leffingwell, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as Jazz Appreciation Month in Austin, Texas.
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY AND JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH
In November 2011, during the UNESCO General Conference, the international community proclaimed 30 April as “International Jazz Day”. According to the UNESCO website, International Jazz Day is “intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people”. Across the world, governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens are encouraged to promote jazz music and create opportunities that foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.
The 1st Annual International Jazz Day, will be held on April 30, 2012 and will pay tribute to this uniquely global art form, with distinctly American roots, that is played and enjoyed across cultures, languages, and musical traditions. Jazz is a powerful unifying force that builds bridges and brings people together.
Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), is held every April and recognized by public law. JAM was launched by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in April 2002. JAM aims to draw greater public attention globally to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock will headline a series of concerts on April 30 that will take place at sunrise in New Orleans and at sunset that same evening from New York City. The concerts will be streamed live via the internet.
Here are a few ways you can help celebrate Jazz appreciation month and get involved:
Host a Herbie Hancock Listening Party featuring one of the April 30th concerts streamed live on the web.
Arrange an International Jazz Day concert in your school or community.
Tweet your thoughts on the importance of Jazz: #JazzDay2012
Request a 2012 JAM poster featuring Frank Sinatra to alert your community to jazz events or artifacts at your organization.
Check out the Austin Jazz Alliance calendar and go listen to a local jazz act this month.
Join the Austin Jazz Alliance and support Jazz in Austin.
