How to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month

April 5, 8:00 PMCommunity Building Blocks ExaminerFM Johnson

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Jazz is one of America's most under appreciated art forms. It was created and developed in America but  too few Americans consume it.  In 2003 The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History named April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) to bring recognition to the art form.

What can you do to support JAM?  Here are some suggestions:

1. Find a jazz website or locate a station that plays "real" jazz.  That is distinct from so-called "smooth jazz" which is primarily instrumental pop or rhythm and blues music.  You can find your local NPR station at www.npr.jazz.com

2. Listen to a jazz cd.  Don't know what to listen to?  Start with an instrument you like.  Look for music by jazz pianists, jazz trumpeters, jazz flutists, etc.

3. Read a jazz magazine such as Jazz Times, Jazziz, or Down Beat.

4. Watch a jazz-themed movie such as 'Round Midnight, Bird, Young Man With A Horn, etc. or  a jazz documentary.

4. Get your family and friends involved.  Take them to hear "live" jazz.  Direct your kids to jazz friendly websites like www.smithsonianjazz.org

Jazz is America's classical music.  JAM is fine but let's treasure it year round.

Photo: biblioteca.arubahost.com