Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bix Jazz Memorial Festival |
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| Genre | Jazz |
| Dates | Late July and/or early August |
| Location(s) | Davenport, Iowa, United States |
| Years active | 1971-present |
| Founded by | Don O’Dette |
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival is a yearly music event in Davenport, Iowa. It celebrates the life and music of Bix Beiderbecke. Bix was a very famous jazz musician born in Davenport in 1903. He played the cornet and piano, and he also wrote music. This festival is one of the biggest jazz events in the whole United States. It usually happens right after the Bix 7 Road Race, which is another local event named after Bix.
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About the Bix Jazz Festival
The Bix Fest is a three-day music festival. Many traditional jazz bands come from all over the world to play here. The festival usually takes place on the first weekend of August. This timing is special because it marks the anniversary of Bix Beiderbecke's death on August 6, 1931.
Where the Music Happens
The festival has been held in different places around Davenport over the years. A main spot used to be the LeClaire Bandshell, right by the Mississippi River. Today, the musical performances happen at the Rhythm City Casino’s Events Center in Davenport.
Special Festival Events
Besides the main concerts, there are other important events during the festival:
- On Saturday morning, there's a special tribute at Oakdale Memorial Cemetery. Jazz music is played right over Bix's grave in his family's plot.
- On Sunday morning, a jazz church service is held at the First Presbyterian Church in Davenport. This church was Bix's family's home church. His mother, Agatha, was even the church organist there. A band from the festival often performs at this special service.
History of the Bix Fest
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival started in 1971. It began when Bill Donahoe's Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Band came to Davenport, Iowa. They played music at Bix's grave. This was on the 40th anniversary of his death.
In 2021, the festival celebrated its 50th year! This makes it the second longest-running jazz festival in the United States. Only the Newport Jazz Fest has been around longer.
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society was also started in 1971. Its main goal is to help keep Bix Beiderbecke's memory alive. They also want to make sure people remember his amazing musical achievements.
