Jazz has many forms and is the ultimate listening music. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so celebrate people like Louis Armstrong, Glen Miller, The Dorsey’s, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, some of the well known artists, singers and musicians.
Bunny Berigan, Herb Albert, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, Etta James, and countless more who contributed to the beginnings of jazz. Todays artists like Big Bad Vodoo Daddy, Norah Jones, Micheal Buble, Rod Stewart, Winton Marsalis, Diana Krall, among others, who help keep the art alive and continue to help it evolve.
Like what you hear? Check out your local community for Jazz Fests,Satchmo Summerfest, and smooth jazz brunch. Try your local radio dial or stream from an online one. Support local real artists as well, to keep it alive for future generations. Encourage exploration, and learning through churches, schools and local live musicians to keep the music playing.
All April long, National Jazz Month celebrates the heritage and history of jazz.
The roots of jazz can be found in the blues. The exciting history of jazz takes us through the deep south along back roads and into the big cities all across the United States and then the world. The thrum of the bass and sizzle of the snare make the nightclubs dazzle just a little more against the brass and lights.
Growing out of the deep south at the turn of the 20th century and working its way up the Mississipi Delta, jazz influenced musicians along the way. As it grew, it inspired more improvisation, and as a result, new methods formed and new styles of music, too. Music and jazz were developing and changing quickly. The impact of jazz on the country was profound.
Celebrate National Jazz Month by listening to your favorite jazz artist, attending a concert or reading about the history of jazz. Use #JazzAppreciationMonth #JAM
For November’s playlist, we’ve curated a collection that capture the essence of autumn as it deepens into winter. The days are shorter, the air is crisper, and the music reflects the shift in mood and atmosphere. From warm acoustic melodies that wrap you in nostalgia to more atmospheric sounds that mirror the quiet solitude of early sunsets, this playlist is designed to be the perfect companion for cozy evenings and introspective moments.
As we transition into the colder months, these songs blend a sense of comfort with introspection, creating a space for both reflection and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying a slow weekend at home, taking a brisk walk through fallen leaves, or simply unwinding after a long day, the playlist is a sonic journey through November’s chill and calm, setting the tone for the approaching winter.
National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween!
Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it be nice to get dress up and pretend just a little bit more? Of course, it would!
This celebration offers the ideal opportunity to host spooky parties, neighborhood trick or treating or local festivals. And everyone gets to wear their scariest, most elaborate, delightful costumes, too! What a fun way to get together with friends and family to carve pumpkins and enjoy the fall weather while extending the life of your creative ideas.
NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY HISTORY
The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) founded National Trick or Treat Day in 2019 to extend the Halloween season. In 2018 they launched a national petition to change the date Americans celebrated Halloween. Nearly 70,000 people signed their change.org petition, and more than 200 major media outlets covered their story. After interacting with the public and listening to feedback, they initiated an extension to Halloween instead. Additional, the HCA created an Official Halloween Toolkit with ideas to help communities all across to help implement parades, events and costumes.
HOW TO OBSERVE #TrickOrTreatDay
Get the whole family dressed up and go trick or treating! Organize a trunk or treat activity with your office, church, or volunteer group. Host costume party. No matter how you celebrate, extend the life of your costume for the season and make sure more people see your creative ideas.
The Centers for Disease Control provides us with excellent tips for a safe Trick or Treat Day. And no matter how you celebrate, be sure to take pictures and share them using #TrickOrTreatDay on social media.
Happy Birthday to me! Today, I celebrate another year of growth, laughter, and memories made. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the people who have been a part of my journey. Each year brings new opportunities, and I am excited to see what this one holds. I’ve worked hard to get here, and today is all about celebrating those accomplishments and the person I’m becoming.
After surving a hemoragic stroke in 2013, my life took a drastic turn from where I thought I would be today. I lost my very good health, the ability to bear children, and my mobility as an independent person. In spite of the odds I have not only survived, I taught myself how to build this blog, start 2 YouTube channels, and developed, write and produce a digital monthly magazine. Having lost the ability to work even in a remote capacity had not impeded my aspirations for success. I truly hope to garner the ability to continue forward with a little help from technology, family, friends and a fantastic physical therapist.
I’m also looking forward to embracing whatever the future has in store. This year, I’m focusing on setting goals that truly matter to me and on making time for the things that bring me joy. Today, I’m taking a moment to just be present, appreciating the people who care about me, and enjoying the little moments that make life beautiful. Here’s to another fantastic year—filled with growth, happiness, and success!
