Jazz Appreciation Month 2025
CELEBRATE by coming to one of Gift of Jazz’s events this month!
Coming from the National Museum of American History:
“Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as “JAM”) was created right here at the museum in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April.
JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.
This year’s poster artwork features a portrait of jazz legend Lester Young (1909-1959). The portrait comes from LeRoy Neiman’s brilliantly colored 2005 Big Band painting depicting notable jazz musicians in performance. Nicknamed “Pres”—short for President, Lester Willis Young is among the most respected saxophonists of the 20th century. With an innovative playing style, a slick fashion sense, and his cool cat slang, Lester Young’s influence on jazz music and culture is profound.
Young was raised in a musical family, and from a young age he would perform and tour all over the United States. In 1933, Lester Young settled in Kansas City and rose to prominence playing with the Count Basie Orchestra. His relaxed, free-floating approach set him apart from other sax players at the time. By 1936, the Basie Orchestra moved to New York City to cut their teeth full time in the city’s thriving jazz scene. Young continued performing with Basie and others, sitting in on recording sessions, and joining jam sessions with a host of Harlem’s best jazz musicians including Billie Holiday. Young’s musicianship continues to inspire generations of saxophonists who experiment with the “cool school” sound of jazz.”
Max Wagner shares his deep passion for jazz, having grown up immersed in the sounds of New Orleans, Louis Armstrong, and bebop. From an early age, he knew he was destined to be a horn player, inspired by his father’s album of Dizzy Gillespie’s live performance. Wagner quickly found opportunities to perform, developing his musical language and gaining mentorship within the Denver jazz scene. His four-year tenure leading the house band at El Chapultepec exposed him to world-class musicians and the club’s legendary cutting sessions. He expresses great admiration for saxophonist James Moody, whose work with Dizzy Gillespie and innovative approach to bebop left a lasting impact. For Wagner, jazz is more than music—it is a profound expression of humanity, a bridge between artist and listener, and a legacy of love and creativity.
JAZZ FOR THE SCHOOLS
Since 2011, Gift of Jazz has been running the Jazz for the Schools program as a monthly series that provides an educational and musical experience for Denver Public Schools’ students. In 2024 we expanded the program to Adams 12 and 14 districts, and in 2025 we are now in the works with Jefferson County. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to be inspired by the sound of live jazz. This valuable program hosts students at Dazzle Jazz.