The 1932 "Night-Club Map of Harlem" by acclaimed African American illustrator E. Simms Campbell presents a whimsically detailed Art Deco streetscape depicting the buzzing music venues and hotspots that brought Prohibition-era swing culture to life uptown. This iconic map provides a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant nightlife and cultural scene of Harlem during the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance.

* And there are two sousaphonists highlighted within the work!!

Jazz poetry lies at the intersection of two art forms: jazz and poetry. It has given rise to some of the most impactful and culturally significant works of the 20th century. From Langston Hughes to Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka to Charles Mingus, artists have explored the connections between jazz and poetry, weaving rich histories and experiences into their work. In this blog, we will delve into jazz poetry, its roots in West African oral traditions, its history as a genre, and examine the life and works of influential artists who have contributed to this intersection, such as Amiri Baraka, Sterling Brown, Hayden Carruth, Jayne Cortez, Michael S. Harper, Jack Kerouac, Yusef Komunyakaa, Nathaniel Mackey, Eugene B. Redmond, Sonia Sanchez, and more.

Join us on a journey through the swinging words of jazz poetry and the rich history that has influenced it.

Jazz-inspired tuba solo repertoire has become increasingly popular as many composers and performers have delved into the unique sound and versatility of the tuba. If you want to learn more about this literature, click below. There, you can find a curated list of jazz-inspired tuba solos that are sure to captivate your ears and broaden your musical horizons.

In the world of jazz, the tuba has carved its own unique path, thanks to the trailblazing musicians who have embraced its rich and distinctive sound. Although the tuba and its close relative, the sousaphone, played a significant role in early New Orleans-style jazz, they have now become more of a specialized musical instrument within the style. If you're looking to delve into its captivating world, here's a (not so) brief history and a curated list of essential jazz tuba tracks that are sure to captivate your ears and expand your musical horizons.

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and join us as we delve into the world of this powerful and sometimes gentle giant.

This guide aims to provide a clear and organized perspective on the various stylistic categories of traditional jazz—a thriving living tradition that continues to this day. It is intended to be a valuable resource and starting place for jazz musicians and educators to develop a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in traditional jazz's diverse range of styles.

I also highlight several prominent women musicians along the way, such as Lil Hardin Armstrong, Lovie Austin, "Sweet Emma" Barrett, Dolly Jones, and others, and provide other interesting contextual information to help "fill out" the history for you.

CNN's second annual "Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom" concert occurred on Monday night, June 19, 2023, at Los Angeles' historic outdoor Greek Theatre in Griffith Park. Performers included Big Freedia, Coi Leray, Davido, Jodeci and Mike Phillips, Kirk Franklin, Miguel, Nelly, SWV, Tank, from Tank and the Bangas, and Charlie Wilson, with Oscar-winner Questlove and Adam Blackstone serving as musical directors.

CNN's Juneteenth celebration paid homage to Juneteenth's rich history and cultural significance. In this review, we will explore the highlights and key moments that made this celebration truly unforgettable. From thought-provoking discussions on the importance of Juneteenth to captivating musical performances that left audiences in awe, CNN's event was a powerful testament to the resilience and triumph of the African American community. We will discuss the history of Juneteenth, CNN's coverage of the National Holiday, the overall impact this event had on raising awareness and fostering unity, and even a missed opportunity . . .

Today, I am excited to share the news of the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly named "New Orleans Corridor." This corridor serves as a testament to the historical migration and enduring legacy of Creole and African American communities who found a new home in Los Angeles during a challenging period in the South.

The Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: On Saturday, June 17, at 11 a.m., Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass and Council member Heather Hutt, alongside a delegation led by New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell and the Los Angeles Jazz Festival Foundation, will host a momentous event to honor the newly named New Orleans Corridor. This corridor stretches from . . .

On April 28th, I presented LA Phil's Upbeat Live!, pre-concert talk at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Click below to read a transcript or listen to the talk.

* Be on the lookout for a follow-up post where I moderated a guest panel with the composer/musician powerhouse Clarice Assad (whose Boitatá was given a world premiere by the LA Phil on 4/29/2023), violin virtuoso Leila Josefowicz, and conducting phenom, Maestra Elim Chan.

On December 4, 2022, I presented LA Phil's Upbeat Live!, pre-concert talk at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Click below to read a transcript or listen to the talk.