JAM 2009 - Jazz Appreciation Month, Celebrated at the Smithsonian Museum

The Smithsonian Museum is known for it's jazz celebrations and this year is no exception. There are ways that you can get in on the fun and it doesn't stop there in Washington. There are ways that jazz fiends and artists celebrate, all around the world. Let's have a look to see if there is something that may inspire you to celebrate this great part of our American history.

Yes, American history. Jazz is actually a form of American music. It originated here in the United States and has been popular for many years. This year the highlight at the Smithsonian will be the infamous centennial of Chicago, jazz muscian Benny Goodman. He is also known as the "King of Swing". To celebrate the museum will offer many things on behalf of his life. Such things include programs, tools and public discussions. Not to mention, he will also be featured on the 2009 JAM Jazz Poster that will be free to the public.

There is also an impending release of The Smithonian Anthology, which is made up of 110 tracks of the birth of jazz all the way down to how it has evolved over the years, to it's present day. JAM (which means Jazz Appreciation Month was formed in the year 2001 to celebrate the history of jazz all the way up to it's current performers and the art of jazz. Since then it has been widespread from 50 of the United States to 40 countries all together. There is all types of supporters that help with JAM and they contribute to keep it moving on from year to year.

There are several ways that you can celebrate jazz. You can contribute to the cause if you so desire. Go to your nearest jazz festivities and take part in those celebrations. You may consider volunteering for a jazz event. Just to plug in some facts, the month of April is also the birth month for many jazz performers, as well. Some of these include Lionel Hampton, Gerry Mulligan, Shorty Rogers, Lionel Hampton, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Mingus, Tito Puente and a few others.

Celebrate have fun and all that jazz!