Senate Resolution No. 1754

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2017 as Jazz Appreciation Month in the State
of New York, in conjunction with National Jazz
Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
within our midst who have contributed to the quality of life and the
cultural heritage of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017 as Jazz Appreciation
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Jazz
Appreciation Month; and

WHEREAS, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is a music festival held
every April in the United States, in honor of jazz as an original
American art form; JAM was created by John Edward Hasse, PhD, curator of
the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History; and

WHEREAS, "Jazz," the classic music of America, has had an enduring
influence not only on our State and Nation, but also upon the world; and

WHEREAS, The month of April acknowledges the creativity and talent
of jazz musicians and composers, reminding us of the diverse and rich
contributions to this uniquely American art form; in the words of the
legendary jazz drummer Art Blakey, "No America, no jazz"; and

WHEREAS, JAM will be celebrated in many venues throughout New York
State during the month of April; and

WHEREAS, New York State has been honored to be the birthplace and
home of countless jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday,
Duke Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, among so many others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body calls upon its members and fellow New
Yorkers to observe Jazz Appreciation Month by listening to jazz in
clubs, on the air and participating in various jazz celebrations
throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, New York State's famous jazz musicians have inspired and
entertained countless players, singers, dancers and listeners with such
styles as Dixieland, swing, bebop, Latin jazz fusions, free jazz, jazz
fusion, funk and hip-hop; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017 as Jazz
Appreciation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Jazz Appreciation Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.