All That Jazz

This April marks 25 years since the month was designated Jazz Appreciation Month by the Smithsonian National Museum for American History as a time to celebrate and recognize the unique history and culture of the jazz movement. The goal is to serve as a tribute to this uniquely American art form and to encourage people to learn more about jazz.

I’ll admit I didn’t know much about jazz until my youngest son became obsessed with it a few years ago and began educating our family about it. We have since joined the legions of fans around the world listening to such styles as Hard Bop and Bebop. I think what my son loves so much about jazz performance is the spirit of collaboration and community. Rather than following strict musical concepts and convention, jazz musicians listen to one another as they’re playing and often riff off of each other’s improvised patterns and rhythms. They are living in the moment together.

Jazz can accomodate so many things. Jazz is like the universe: it’s been expanding since it’s creation, and it’s connected to everything.

— Jon Batiste

Although Jazz Appreciation Month is coming to an end, the LOF team invites you to take in a jazz concert or listen to an album with a friend. Anytime is a great time to expand your knowledge and enjoyment of jazz and the artists who create it.

Photo: Isaiah Collier performing in Cambridge, Mass., in early March 2026.