Saipan joins celebration of jazz artists, educators

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela yesterday declared April as Jazz Appreciation Month on Saipan, responding to the call of the U.S. Conference of Mayors to extend the celebration of jazz artists and educators throughout the states and territories.

Yesterday’s endorsement marked the second year that Saipan is joining the national celebration.

Jazz—an original American art form that affirms the noblest aspirations of the national character, individual discipline, perseverance, and innovation—has produced some of America’s leading creative artists and ranks as one of the America’s greatest exports to the world.

“Here on Saipan, we have so many of them who have made significant contributions, especially in the field of music, traditional dances, poetry, and folk story telling. We’re here to honor and remember them among the hundreds of who have made the art of jazz a national and world treasure celebrated by leaders, institutions, educators and communities globally,” Tudela said during yesterday’s ceremony at his office.

The mayor said America’s jazz heritage deserves to be appreciated as broadly as possible and should be part of education in both America’s children and adults.

“Jazz has spoken eloquently of freedom for people in the U.S. Here in the CNMI it has become an international language that bridges differences and brings people of all races, ages, and backgrounds together…” Tudela said.

To expand the celebration among youths and students, the mayor has asked the support of Marianas High School principal Karen Borja and municipal council chair Antonina Tudela, who were both present in yesterday’s ceremony.

Throughout April 2009, the National Museum of American History continues its celebration—now on its eighth year—of Jazz Appreciation Month.

JAM shines the spotlight on the extraordinary history of jazz and its importance in American culture.

Through concerts, lectures, films, and other programs the event encourages people of all ages to attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz and support institutional jazz programs.

Launched at the museum in April 2002, JAM added to the Smithsonian Institution’s 30-year record of leadership in jazz.

Smithsonian operates the world’s most comprehensive set of jazz programs—including exhibitions, publications and recordings, concerts, workshops and others. The museum collects jazz artifacts and sponsors the institution’s jazz programs.