Declare Jazz Appreciation Month

Senate Resolution No. 4426 BY: Senator COMRIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as Jazz Appreciation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Jazz Appreciation Month WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those within our midst who have contributed to the quality of life and the cultural heritage of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as Jazz Appreciation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Jazz Appreciation Month; and WHEREAS, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is a music festival held every April in the United States, in honor of jazz as an original American art form; JAM was created by John Edward Hasse, PhD, curator of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History; and WHEREAS, "Jazz," the classic music of America, has had an enduring influence not only on our State and Nation, but also upon the world; and WHEREAS, The month of April acknowledges the creativity and talent of jazz musicians and composers, reminding us of the diverse and rich contributions to this uniquely American art form; in the words of the legendary jazz drummer Art Blakey, "No America, no jazz"; and WHEREAS, JAM will be celebrated in many venues throughout New York State during the month of April; and WHEREAS, New York State has been honored to be the birthplace and home of countless jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, among so many others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body calls upon its members and fellow New Yorkers to observe Jazz Appreciation Month by listening to jazz in clubs, on the air and participating in various jazz celebrations throughout the State; and WHEREAS, New York State's famous jazz musicians have inspired and entertained countless players, singers, dancers and listeners with such styles as Dixieland, swing, bebop, Latin jazz fusions, free jazz, jazz fusion, funk and hip-hop; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as Jazz Appreciation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Jazz Appreciation Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.