Jazz highlighted, appreciated this month

The International Association for Jazz Education, in conjunction with Jazz Alliance International and other partner organizations, is celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month throughout the month of April.
This worldwide observance encourages individuals of all ages to learn more about jazz by reading books, watching movies, attending concerts and/or listening to jazz recordings.
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, JAI is releasing Jazz Vocalists-Hear & Now. The two disc-set contains 36 standard and contemporary classics. The CD will be available in stores on April 24. The proceeds from the sales will benefit the organization and other programs.
“In 36 tracks on two discs, we set out to make a representation of vocal jazz that would be listener-friendly to the novice just looking to get into this music with the intention for a balanced, wide-ranging slice of what is happening on the jazz scene,” said Producer Michael Cuscuna in a press release.
The mission of JAI is centered on expanding the jazz audience and raising the visibility of jazz through advocacy, education and research.
“JAI intends to provide a consciousness and interest for jazz specifically to African American students which will dovetail into national and international Black History Month, Jazz Appreciation Month and Black Music Month commemorations,” said Suzan Jenkins, president of JAI.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will begin on April 28. The event will highlight some of the best-known artists in the nation, including Fats Domino, Lionel Richie and Yolanda Adams. In addition, the festival will feature some of Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cuisine.
To learn more about jazz and events throughout the month, check out www.gotjazz.info or www.iaje.org.