Northwest Ohio celebrates Jazz appreciation month in style

Yahya Travis holds his daughter Asiyah, 3, while she stands on a chair to play the drums last year during 'Bang a Drum' in the Children's Library at the Main Library.

It’s a good time for a JAM session given that April is Jazz Appreciation Month.

Launched in 2002 by the Smithsonian Institution, JAM has grown and developed with each passing year.

In Toledo, many schools and universities as well as the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library are providing ways for all to enjoy the wild wailings of top jazz cats.

One big celebration will be Saturday, when seven ensembles from Professional Musicians of Northwest Ohio, Local 15-286 of the American Federation of Musicians, perform on two stages at the Main Library, 325 Michigan St., downtown. The event is free.

The event begins at noon with the Toledo Symphony Jazz Trio and continue through the 3:30 p.m. show by Jelise & Co., a performance dedicated to Charles McDaniel. Other performers and times are: 12:30 p.m. Pete Ford Trio; 1 p.m. Basil Sanchez and the Band; 1:30 p.m. Keith Bernard & the Jazz Messengers; 2 p.m. Dick Lange Trio; 2:30 p.m. Ella Pickett, and 3 p.m. Jim Gottron Quartet.

Young listeners who visit the Children’s Library will be able to share in a Bang a Drum hands-on music experience throughout the afternoon.

The Main Library will follow the Saturday event with Junior Jazz Jam, a collaboration between the library and the Toledo Public Schools, on Wednesday. Between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. jazz ensembles from Byrnedale and DeVeaux middle schools will perform jazz standards at the Wintergarden area. This also is free.

Although most of Bowling Green State University’s jazz events are over, a special tribute to David Melle, former BGSU director of jazz activities and flute professor, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at Kobacker Hall of the Moore Musical Arts Center. For ticket information, call 419-372-8171.

The University of Toledo’s series Jazz Night at Crystal’s Lounge will continue at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Ramada Inn at Westgate. Admission starts at $3. The UT Latin Jazz Ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the UT Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall. Tickets start at $3. And the UT Jazz Ensemble will perform at the center at 8 p.m. April 18.