Title
Proclamation declaring April 2008 "Jazz Appreciation Month" in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has long been recognized as a city rich in jazz history, a history that has been kept alive by the efforts of several local organizations dedicated to stimulating the interests of people of all ages. Organizations and programs such as the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Seminar, the Manchester Craftsman's Guild, the Multicultural Arts Initiative, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Jazz Workshop, Inc., the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, WDUQ FM radio, Duquesne University Jazz Studies and the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh are all dedicated to highlighting and honoring Pittsburgh's extensive jazz roots; and
WHEREAS, this year, the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh will celebrate the annual Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM!) in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the segregated American Federation of Musicians Local 471, a “boot camp” for black musicians to congregate, share musical skills, and develop new musical techniques; and
WHEREAS, the 2008 celebration, entitled “Showtime at the Musicians Club,” aims to re-create the excitement of the original Musicians Club, which served as the headquarters of Local 471 and was a social center and training ground for black musicians and provided a historically significant foundation for nurturing world renowned artists; and
WHEREAS, during its heyday, the Musicians Club welcomed local and national jazz artists to the Hill District following their downtown performances. A racially diverse group of patrons had the opportunity to enjoy jam sessions from jazz legends including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Billy Eckstein, Duke Ellington and Ahmad Jamal; and
WHEREAS, “Showtime at the Musicians Club” will feature the premiere of the 471 Anthology, a multi-media project highlighting the artistry and history of Pittsburgh's black jazz musicians. It will also feature a jam session between several longtime Local 471 members, local jazz musicians, and student musicians from Pittsburgh's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and will conclude with a performance and awards presentation;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council wishes to recognize the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh and the many other local programs and organizations committed to celebrating and preserving our outstanding jazz heritage. Furthermore, Allegheny County Council proclaims April 2008 to be “Jazz Appreciation Month” in Allegheny County.