This April, DC Public Library is swinging into National Jazz Appreciation Month! This celebration honors jazz, America's original art form, born in the 1890s. Established in 2001 by the Smithsonian Museum of American History, the month is dedicated to the rich culture, music, and heritage of jazz. Stop by your neighborhood library to check out great reads about jazz greats, stream music from every era of the genre, enjoy special performances and more.
Signature Events
Daddy's Jazz
Saturday, Apr. 20, 2 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Who first introduced you to jazz? What was that experience? Miyuki Williams and Caleen Sinnette Jennings recreate the joy of discovering jazz with their daddies. Based on Jennings's and Williams's interviews with other women, the play tells the stories of women who inherited their daddies’ love of the music. Filled with visuals from back in the day, call and response, and even a little dance, please join us in celebrating the beauty of this uniquely American art form.
The History of Tap Dance
Tuesday, Apr. 9, 6 p.m. | Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library
Discover the rich heritage of this iconic Black American dance genre that has evolved over centuries. Through video clips and live performances, Sam Heimowitz and Yvonne Edwards will take you on a journey through the extraordinary history of tap’s origins and talk about its place in today’s entertainment industry.
In Their Own Words
Monday, Apr. 15, 6 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Join us for a screening of the documentary 'In Their Own Words.' Produced by The Washington Jazz Arts Institute, 'In Their Own Words' documents the DC Jazz culture from the 1960's through today. Immediately following the documentary screening, there will be a panel discussion with the documentary's producers and other participants from the documentary.
