RESOLUTION NO. 150297

Designating Thursday, April 30, 2015, as Kansas City Jazz Appreciation Day and International Jazz Day in Kansas City

WHEREAS, April 30, 2015, is Kansas City Jazz Appreciation Day and International Jazz Day, a day dedicated to and acknowledging the unique, rich and proud heritage that contributed to a truly American artform and it is a day for celebrating in the city, local jazz community, venues and musicians who keep this particular music alive; and

WHEREAS, , Kansas City has the distinction of being one of 4-cities considered Crown Jewels of Jazz in America, owning its own style and popularized by artists such as Bennie Moten, William "Count" Basie, Jay McShann, Mary Lou Williams, Andy Kirk, Myra Taylor and Charlie Parker; and

WHEREAS, Jazz Appreciation Month was established by the Smithsonian's Museum of American History and its curator Dr. John Hesse in 2002, in celebration of this American artform during the month of April.  Additionally, cities around the  country celebrate jazz whenever it is listened to or performed, and Jazz Appreciation Month is a special time to support jazz in Kansas City; and

WHEREAS, International Jazz Day during Jazz Appreciation Month is supported annually by such luminaries as Herbie Hancock, and the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors are happy to support Kansas City Jazz Appreciation Day.  Other supporting area jazz organizations, venues and surviving individuals include UMKC Jazz Friends, Elder Statesmen of KC Jazz, American Jazz Museum, Broadway Jazz Club, the Blue Room, Kansas City Jazz ALIVE, Lee Edward Brown, Godfrey Powell, Wallace Jones - from the original Mutual Musicians Foundation Big Band and the Green Lady Lounge; and

WHEREAS, a reception in honor of the day, will be held at the Broadway Jazz Club, 3601 Broadway, Thursday, April 23, 2015, from 5:00 until 6:30 pm and Thursday April 30, 2015, with the Eddie Baker School of Music Jazz Ensemble being the featured performers; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and City Council hereby designate Thursday, April 30, 2015, as Kansas City Jazz Appreciation Day and International Jazz Day in Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the jazz organizations, venues and individuals, aforementioned in this Resolution.

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