City Hall Celebration Kicks Off Jazz Appreciation Month In Philadelphia
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia City Hall was thumping and bumping on Wednesday as the city kicked off its fifth celebration of Jazz Appreciation month.
Forty jazz events will be featured in 30 days -- showcasing world renowned musicians like Kenny Garrett and Bootsie Barnes.
"Look and read and appreciate the talent that has come out of this city or has been connected to this city," said Mayor Michael Nutter.
Nutter welcomed the Philadelphia Cleff Club Youth Ensemble as they played before a standing room only crowd to announce events sponsored by more than a dozen organizations, including lectures, panels and concerts at 20 venues.
City officials also took time to say thank you to greats like McCoy Tyner, who played in the John Coltrane Quartet.
"Mr. Tyner went on to release 80 albums under his name," praised Michael Nutter.
Nutter also lauded Philadelphia native Billie Holiday, who would have been 100 years old on April 7th:
"There should be a star and a plaque for Billie Holiday on South Broad Street," he says.
The first event is Art After 5 Friday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring Turkish jazz.
For a full list of events, CLICK HERE.