American Jazz Museum facts for kids
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| Established | September 5, 1997 |
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| Location | 18th and Vine, Kansas City, Missouri |
The American Jazz Museum is a cool place in Kansas City, Missouri, where you can learn all about jazz music! It's in a special old neighborhood called 18th and Vine. This museum keeps the amazing history of American jazz alive.
You can see exhibits about famous jazz musicians. These include legends like Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. The museum also has a jazz club called The Blue Room. Here, you can enjoy live music almost every night. The museum also offers fun programs for young people. These include jazz bands, music lessons, and creative storytelling.
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History of the Museum
The American Jazz Museum first opened its doors on September 5, 1997. It shares its building with another interesting place, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. In March 2024, Dr. Dina Bennett became the museum's new executive director. She is a music historian who actually started her career at this very museum in 1999!
Amazing Collections and Exhibits
The museum is connected with the famous Smithsonian Institution. It has many special items that tell the story of jazz.
Famous Instruments and Clothes
One of the most exciting things to see is the saxophone played by Charlie Parker. He used this special Graphon alto saxophone in a famous concert in 1953. Other cool items include shoes that belonged to Benny Goodman. You can also see a saxophone from Harold Ashby and a dress worn by singer Myra Taylor.
Interactive Learning Stations
Visitors can use listening stations to explore different jazz styles. You can hear all sorts of rhythms and sounds. This helps you understand how diverse and exciting jazz music is.
The Historic Gem Theatre
Part of the museum experience includes the 1912 Gem Theatre. This old theater is right across the street from the museum. It's a beautiful historic building that adds to the museum's charm.
The Blue Room Jazz Club
The Blue Room is a special jazz club inside the museum. It's designed to look like a famous club from the 1930s. That old club hosted jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Bennie Moten.
What You Can Do at The Blue Room
The Blue Room has interactive exhibits where you can learn more about jazz. It also has a snack bar. Most importantly, it hosts live jazz performances several evenings each week. You can find its entrance right at the corner of 18th and Vine streets.
