Hear ye, hear ye!
Given that April is National Jazz Month, and jazz is a thriving art form in Salem — as evidenced by the annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival — Mayor Kim Driscoll will proclaim this Saturday as Jazz Appreciation Day in Salem.
Driscoll will present a formal proclamation and seal before a free concert at 2 p.m. by the Salem Jazz and Soul All-Stars. The event will be held at the Salem Five Community Room at 210 Essex St. on the pedestrian mall.
"Salem has such an active and thriving arts and musical scene," Driscoll said, "and jazz appreciation in our community has been greatly fostered by the tireless efforts and commitment of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, celebrating national Jazz Appreciation Day in Salem is a perfect fit."
The All-Stars will be led by saxophone master and Salem Jazz and Soul Festival music adviser Henley Douglas Jr., who will be accompanied by Garret Savluk on trumpet, Squantch on trombone, Dave Walker on bass and John Iltis on drums.
They will celebrate jazz by playing some of the best tunes by several of the art form's greatest legends, including John Coltrane and Charlie Mingus, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie.
"I hope Salem residents will find the time to enjoy these very talented musicians," Driscoll said.
The event will also feature artwork by local elementary students that was submitted to the Jazz and Soul Festival's first student art contest. Those attending may cast their votes, and winners and prizes will be announced during the main festival weekend, Aug. 20 to 21.
Those with an appetite for jazz won't have to wait long after the concert to hear more of their favorite music, as the Salem Jazz and Soul Berklee Summer Series will bring some of the best young talent in jazz to Salem starting May 14, and on several Saturdays throughout the summer in Derby Square.
— Will Broaddus
