Did you know that April is Jazz Appreciation Month?
Appropriately referred to as “JAM” for short, this month is all about celebrating jazz as not only a genre of music but also as a living and breathing symbol of American unity, creativity and artistry. Jazz has history but it also has a future. Jazz is constantly evolving and adapting according to the rich and diverse talents of the musicians, tastes of the listeners and spirit of the time. Here at Night is Alive we are eager and overjoyed to celebrate our many impressive musicians who contribute to the dynamic, soul-nourishing and community-enhancing genre of jazz!
NiA represents countless exemplary musicians, but in this post we would like to recognize the artists from one of our newest albums, It Takes 3: saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello and drummer Bryan Carter. This album is a testament to the continuing appeal of jazz and the remarkable magic that is achieved when masterful musicians come together. Have a listen to the poignant rendition of “Unforgettable,” which captures both the rich tradition of jazz as well as the excitement of fresh interpretations.
Harry Allen, Rossano Sportiello, Bryan Carter – Unforgettable
Even though JAM was technically created in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, the curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, its origins date back to earlier. In 1980 the Louisiana Jazz Federation founded the statewide Jazz Awareness Month. JAM is now a national extension of this original state festival and is held in both the U.S. and Canada every April. Many schools, organizations and local communities celebrate JAM with free concerts and educational programs that pay tribute to jazz’s past, present and future. Be sure to check your local libraries, theaters and schools for activities near you!
If you live in the Washington D.C. area, be sure to check out the many events going on at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian website writes that the 2026 program will honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. by exploring the rich, diverse tapestry of jazz across the nation. “From the hot rhythms of New Orleans and the swinging streets of Chicago and Kansas City to the cool, sophisticated sounds of the West Coast, this series shines a spotlight on the myriad regional styles and histories that have shaped jazz as a uniquely American art form,” the website reads.
To learn more about jazz music history, please check out NiA’s post about the birthplace of jazz and post about the role of women in jazz music history. We also have a post that includes six tunes to listen to on April 30th for International Jazz Day! And stay tuned for an upcoming post about the Chicago style of jazz.
For now, we’ll leave you with a tune from jazz icon Tony Bennett, whose legacy will be remembered this year at JAM in honor of his 100th birthday. Almost everyone will recognize this tune, which was released in 1962 and won a Grammy that same year for the best male solo vocal performance. Bennett captures the nostalgia that the narrator feels towards the American city of San Francisco. When I come home to you, San Francisco / Your golden sun will shine for me.
Tony Bennett – I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Visit Night is Alive’s albums page and explore all the different genres of jazz we have to offer!
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
