BROADCASTS.com

April is Jazz Appreciation Month and April 30 is UNESCO’s International Jazz Day.  So designated to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people around the world, International Jazz Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021.  Not only is jazz an art form that comes from the United States, it was born in New Orleans, the Crescent City.  In recognition of the important history of this uniquely American musical art form, both nationally and internationally, Congress authorized the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in 1994.  Congress created the park to protect a significant American cultural treasure... jazz.  But jazz was embraced by the world and is an international treasure.

Some of the greatest jazz artists of all time toured the world on behalf of the U.S. government, helping to spread the love of jazz far and wide.  These “Jazz Ambassadors” included Louis Armstrong and an excerpt of his interview with a Czech journalist on Radio Free Europe while touring in then-Czechoslovakia is featured in the episode.  For the definitive story on the history and impact of the Jazz Ambassadors, check out https://www.pbs.org/wnet/jazz-ambassadors/.  And while the Jazz Ambassadors program no longer exists, the State Department continues to do music diplomacy today, including jazz, but also featuring a wide range of genres from hip hop to zydeco.

With education being the focus of the national park, we also include excerpts of two musical programs we attended, the first an introductory talk by a park ranger and the second a concert with jazz pianist Kyle Roussel. The park is currently closed due to the pandemic but virtual musical programs are still available.  As always, visit the park’s website to obtain the most current information, including regarding closures and altered hours.

Episode Highlights:

00:51  Introduction
02:22 Louis Armstrong interview with Radio Free Europe
04:12 Louis Armstrong singing
06:36 Outdoor Organization Feature: Camp Founder Girls
08:01 Ranger Jon - Lecture/Demonstration
17:37 Jazz pianist Kyle A. Roussel

References:

https://eca.state.gov/jazzdiplomacy

https://www.nps.gov/jazz/index.htm

https://soundcloud.com/hoover-institution/louis-armstrong-on-the-czechoslovak-service-of-radio-free-europe?fbclid=IwAR2RT5RIcWP13smFg1UMaThFCnpZP-9n-0f7sdB4kP4U5G-0REfwe36j_7o

Outdoor Organization Feature:

This month we are sharing the work of @campfoundergirls in our community effort to showcase organizations who are working towards social justice and more inclusive public lands. Follow @campfoundergirls  for the latest info on this year’s summer camp scheduled from June 19-24, 2021. Check out their website (campfoundergirls.org) for more info and to donate.