National Jazz Museum In Harlem Celebrates New Digs
After 15 years in East Harlem, The National Jazz Museum In Harlem is now near the center of the action uptown. It’s at 58 West 129th Street just off Malcolm X Boulevard a few blocks from Red Rooster and Sylvia’s and Corner Social. The 3 p’s of the museum are preserve, promote, and present. In the words of Wynton Marsalis…”For more than a century, Harlem has been a center of creativity for countless musicians, writers, and artists who have produced some of the most extraordinary works of art. Through its exhibits and programs, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem honors this legacy and actively contributes to Harlem’s vibrant culture.”
The recent hootenanny featured music from the Harlem born pianist Marc Cary who grew up in DC but returned to the city in the late 80s and has been building his reputation as an ace ever since. Also on hand was the virtuosic sax player Bill Saxton who has been a bright light for decades in joints like the much missed St. Nick’s Pub and more recently in his own Bill’s Place on 133rd Street. Another artist who grew up in the streets north of Central Park, the wonderful vocalist Terri Davis also took part in the festivities. She sometimes performs along with Cary at Gin Fizz just around the corner from the museum where Cary hosts The Harlem Sessions every Thursday including tomorrow night. You could double dip as there’s action at the museum tomorrow night as well. A listening party will be hosted by none other than Christian McBride, who is the museum’s co-artistic director along with Jonathan Batiste. It’s part one of a three part series devoted to appreciating the enduring recordings of Cannonball Adderley. International Jazz Day on the 30th of this month would also be an excellent time to drop by.
