Smithsonian Institute's Jazz Appreciation Month Highlights Women Musicians

The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC is celebrating its 10th annual Jazz Appreciation Month in April 2011.  The annual celebration pays tribute to jazz both as an historic and living art form, and encourages educators, jazz societies, musicians and the general public throughout the country to take part.

The 2011 JAM celebration honors the legacy of women jazz performers  "who helped transform race, gender and social relations in the U.S. in the quest to build a more just and equitable nation."  This year's JAM poster depicts the legendary jazz artist Mary Lou Williams.  The poster was designed by Keith Henry Brown.

Also, the National Museum of American History has developed a blog tribute to Dr. Billy Taylor (1921-2010), one of the premier jazz pianists, educators and elder statesman of the jazz world. 

For a schedule of events participating in Jazz Appreciation Month in Washington DC, click here.


For year round jazz concerts, night clubs, campus events, brunches, educational programs and festivals in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.