Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)

On December 4, 1987, Congress passed Public Law 108-72 to commend the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History for establishing April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) honoring “jazz as a national and world treasure” to be celebrated by leaders, institutions, educators and communities globally. Completely genuine, born in America, appreciated worldwide, jazz is a beloved American art form that has contributed widely to cultural unity and understanding globally.

In previous years, the AFM and its locals and the International Association of Jazz Educators have advocated with other JAM Partner organizations to convince 15 governors and scores of mayors to issue proclamations declaring April to be Jazz Appreciation Month in their jurisdictions.

Our goal this year is to have Jazz Appreciation Month Proclamations from every state or territory. Leaders responding to this grassroots initiative will be highlighted on the Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Month website for jazz lovers everywhere to see.

The attached JAM Community Recognition Kit provides necessary information for you to request a proclamation from your Governor or Mayor. The kit includes step-by-step guidelines for requesting a proclamation, contact information for your governor, a request letter template, a sample proclamation template, and two documents covering general information about Jazz Appreciation Month. In addition, we have added templates for writing a press release and for getting media attention for your events.

Join the AFM and the Smithsonian Institution in making JAM 2008 an official celebration recognized throughout the United States. If you have questions about the information provided in this packet or require assistance implementing the process, please contact Carol Sue Fromboluti at jazz@si.edu.

Thank you for your efforts in creating a great JAM 2008!

Sincerely,

Thomas F. Lee
President
AFM