Jazz music and culture is alive and well in Augusta Georgia as Garden City Jazz wraps up National Jazz Appreciation Month events this weekend, moves toward collaboration with regional agencies to continue to promote American Classical Music in the Southeast.

In 2003, the Smithsonian Institution recognized April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). JAM highlights the glories of jazz music as both a historical and a living treasure and is one special month to draw greater public attention to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz and its importance to American culture. Musicians, concert halls, schools, colleges, museums, libraries and public broadcasters are encouraged to offer special programs during this month. 

In the Central Savannah River Area, for the past several years, the Garden City Jazz team has worked closely with local entities to present concerts which celebrate jazz music and culture alongside family activities which introduce the music to new audiences. 

For JAM 2014, Garden City Jazz moves into its fourth year of presenting the “sing, clap, wiggle, shake!” program for pre-schoolers at local libraries and live performances each week at the Saturday Market at Riverwalk. The team has also taken on several new projects, aimed at bringing music into neighborhoods – from a new series at Pendleton King Park in central Augusta, an expanded Music and Arts Series in the historic Laney Walker area, and an infusion of arts activities at area nursing homes. Despite several forays beyond the central business district, Karen Gordon, director of Garden City Jazz, maintains a firm commitment to continue to work in downtown Augusta, and lately, in non-traditional spaces.

“We maintain our commitment to downtown, and because of this, we’re seeking partnerships with business owners, government officials, and non-profits to present music in public (and sometimes, unexpected) spaces. By its nature, jazz music has a definite structure and form. The theme is clear, yet variation is expected. So, from street corners, to the urban green space of the Augusta Common, to the steps of the Municipal Building, to parking garages and of course, Riverwalk. Our ultimate goal is community engagement, creating great experiences,’ Gordon said.

This weekend, April 26-27, Gordon presents two jazz events, each as varied and complex as the genre itself, to jazz enthusiasts and novices alike. Soiree: Jazz+Wine is a recurring monthly concert – a partnership with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts - which features acoustic jazz performances. This month we feature A Step Up.  Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands headlines our annual JAM event.
   
Garden City Jazz has presented a full slate of activities for April 2014, a few of which were highlighted in the regional magazine, American Profiles. There are more concerts and community events in coming weeks, including a special offer for Candlelight Jazz season tickets. For a complete CSRA jazz calendar, visitwww.gardencityjazz.com or call (762) 233-5299 

April (National Jazz Appreciation Month, remaining events)
Apr28: Kiwanis International, downtown Augusta, noon 
May 4: Candlelight Jazz Series Opener @ Augusta Common, 8p, $6

For Information Contact:  [email protected]