Jazz Appreciation Month 2009 at the Smithsonian

April is Jazz Appreciation Month at the Smithsonian. Throughout the month, the Smithsonian will present numerous jazz related events, including performances, films and displays in venues around Washington, DC. Most events are free. Seating is first-come, first-served. Here some of the hightlights:

• Claude “Fiddler” Williams and the Kansas City Jazz Scene
  April 1 – May 31. National Museum of American History
  A new display showcases archival materials documenting Claude “Fiddler” Williams and the Kansas City jazz scene.
  
  
• Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composers and their Signature Works
  April 4 – June 28. National Museum of American History
  The exhibition examines two of their most ubiquitous pieces, “Caravan” (1936) composed by Ellington and Juan Tizol and “Take the ‘A’ Train” (1941) composed by Strayhorn.
  
  
• Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble: Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” and his Modal Period
  April 4, 7:30 p.m. National Museum of Natural History
  Tickets: $25, general admission; $20, members. Call (202) 357-3030
  
  
• April 6, 1 p.m. Childers Recital Hall, Howard University, 2400 6th Street, NW.
  Tickets: Free admission.
  The Small Ensemble from the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra revisits one of the most influential albums in jazz history.
  
  
• Thoroughly Modern: Mildred Bailey Songs
  April 11, 2 and 4 p.m. Rasmuson Theater, National Museum of the American Indian
  Jazz singer Julia Keefe performs swing-era standards accompanied by eight musicians from Howard University.
  
  
• Take 5! JAM Fest
  April 15 - 17; 5 p.m. Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum
  A special three-day concert series features the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, Bemcha!, a high-energy Latin jazz ensemble, and the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, a twelvepiece big band.
  
  
• John Eaton and Friends: A Salute to American Song and Jazz
  April 17; 7:30 p.m. Rasmuson Theater, National Museum of the American Indian
  Tickets: $25, general admission; $20, members. Call (202) 357-3030
  Pianist, scholar and humorist John Eaton—along with jazz bass maestro Tommy Cecil and some of Washington’s music experts—delves into the best of American’s popular music in this performance.
  
  
• Jazz Appreciation Month Family Day
  April 4; 1 – 4 p.m. Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum
  During this family-friendly jazz celebration, storyteller Judith Gravitz will tell jazz-related tales. The program also includes a kids’ concert by the Baltimore Jazz Alliance. Visitors will be able to learn about various instruments and try a variety of craft activities.
  
  For more information visit smithsonianjazz.org.