Memphis is known for its role in music history, from serving as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll to the home of the soulful sounds of Memphis Sound and the home of the blues.
Be it gospel, country, rap, or jazz, Memphis plays an important role in music. The city participates in the celebration of jazz with Five Fridays of Jazz, an event until March and April that celebrates International Jazz Month.
Levitt Shell and Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library team up for # 5FridaysOfJazz. The free jazz concert series provides an opportunity for the Memphis community to introduce themselves to jazz while exploring the library.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Levitt Shell on these world-class events,” said Stacey Smith, Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Manager, in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for the library to show a different side of our patrons: music lovers who love jazz.”
Jazz events will take place on five selected Fridays in March and April in the library courtyard from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
The night will feature music, food and drink in the library. Attendees can pre-order a more comprehensive menu 36 hours in advance by calling 901-278-0028 or emailing [email protected] . Click here for a full menu.
“The real experience is after hours with music, dancing if you choose, food and drinks benefit the stars,” said Henry Nelson, coordinator of strategic partnerships with Levitt Shell, in a statement. “The aesthetic beauty of the Central Library courtyard is the perfect setting and it’s free.
“Every jazz ensemble that performs at these free concerts is a celebration of the rich musical history that originated in Memphis and spans so many genres in many places,” Nelson continued. “This is an exciting time to experience and enjoy more of what you will hear on stage at Levitt Shell for seasons to come.”
March 4 Memphis Standard Quartet
March 18 Quintet of Carl and Alan Maguire with Alvie Givhan
April 1 Rhodes College Jazz Band and Faculty Players with Joyce Cobb
15 de abril Paul McKinney y The Knights of Jazz
29 de abril Bill Hurd Jazz Ensemble
The Five Fridays of Jazz event is part of April Jazz Appreciation Month, culminating with International Jazz Day on April 30. The first International Jazz Day was April 30, 2012. It was created by UNESCO in November 2011 in an effort to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in bringing people from all over the world together.
International Jazz Day brings together jazz communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and fans from around the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact. It is also intended to raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Washington is the global host city for International Jazz Day 2016.
