Why Jazz Matters: The Legacy of Satchmo and Duke

Why Jazz Matters! Bring lunch and a friend when the Adams County Arts Council’s 3rdthursday series resumes with Buzz Jones. His program is “Why Jazz Matters: The Legacy of Satchmo and Duke,” arguably two of the most seminal figures in 20th century American music.

You will learn about the early years of Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) and Duke Ellington, their development as creative leaders in the field of jazz and their immense societal influence by listening to recordings and viewing vintage video clips. Buzz will also give a brief look at an extraordinary jazz event in 1966 at Gettysburg College.

John (Buzz) Jones is professor of music emeritus at Gettysburg College.  He served as Director of Bands, Music Department Chair, Director of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and Director of the Jazz Ensemble. He also taught courses in theory and jazz history and coordinated the 2012 Gettysburg College England Program as a Senior Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University. Buzz led numerous summer tours abroad with the college jazz ensemble and the Buzz Jones Big Band performing at major festivals in Switzerland, Turkey, France, The Netherlands and Italy.

The April 16 program will feature Martha Tozzi who will present a program about Ukrainian Pysanky, the ancient art of egg decorating.

The mission of the Adams County Arts Council is to cultivate an arts-rich community. For more information about the Arts Council’s classes, programs or membership, visit www.adamsarts.org, or call 717-334-5006.