Finding that Jazz Unites
I love living in Chicago. Chicago is a truly great city and for those of you who live and have lived much of your lives, on either coast, you may just think of the city as a place to fly over or perhaps an airport you are often required to stop in. It not only has one of the best skylines are are ever likely to see, but a great lake, nice beaches, great food and decent people. Finally, it is a great town for music, particularly if you love jazz or blues music.
I recently found a website entitled “Jazz Unites” and it is an organization that has a great heritage and a mission that I can truly get behind. I am borrowing their “mission statement” from their website below:
“To further the growth and appreciation of jazz, in addition to the establishment of a program that combines cultural goals with human, social, and economic development purposes. Thus, JUI seeks to expose jazz ( a uniquely American art form) to communities and people who otherwise would not have access to this form of artistic expression.”
That’s a mission I can get behind. As for their history, their website states:
“Upon the death of Duke Ellington, one of the world’s most prolific composers, jazz singer and arts producer, Geraldine de Haas had an idea: she wanted to have a tribute to “The Duke” which would serve to unite the communities of Chicago at the old Grant Park Band Shell. After an arduous effort, not only did this history-making concert musically integrate the downtown Chicago Parks, it also started a trend! Since that 1974 event, free music concerts and festivals for every kind of music have been presented in the city’s downtown parks, enhancing tourism for the city of Chicago.
Jazz Unites, Inc. (JUI) was officially founded in 1981, through the efforts of Mrs. de Haas and a group of professional, civic, and community people. Their purpose was to bring America’s classic and singular art form, jazz, as a cultural expression of personal, community, spiritual and economic importance. This group was keenly aware of the advantages of exposing jazz as a cultural expression, which has played, and still plays, a significant role in spiritual and intellectual development, particularly for young people, in addition to providing community enrichment and economic stimulation.
Since that time, Jazz Unites has continued to showcase musical talent, assist young aspiring musicians, hold workshops and produce affordable or free public concerts for its multi-cultural audiences. Probably the best-known event is the weekend-long jazz festival, known as the JazzFest Heritage Music Weekend, at the South Shore Cultural Center – this music festival traces its roots back to the first free Duke Ellington Tribute in Grant Park. ”
Again, not a bad heritage or history. They have a lot of concerts and events. In fact, they have too many to try to list here. So, I am going to suggest you visit their EVENTS section by clicking on that link and checking out some of the great shows they have planned. You can even buy tickets through the website.
I am particularly intrigued by their “Heritage Jazz Festival Music Weekend” which is August 2 – 3 and at the South Shore Cultural Center. There is no list of performers yet, but I will be sure to keep an eye on things and let you know what I find out.
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