Jazz

Jazz is the quintessential American art form -- but it hasn't stayed all-American; instead, this art form has busted out of its boundaries and borders to spread and absorb influences worldwide. Like American culture, jazz is the result of collision and synthesis; the juxtaposition of African musical heritage with European musical traditions. The result is a more than 100-year old musical art that extends from ragtime to modal, from swing to be-bop, from standards to experimental music, from big band to solo virtuosity, along the way incorporating Latin rhythms, European sonorities, and more. From the early jazz clubs of New Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago, and New York, jazz has garnered followers and fans in festivals and funky little clubs worldwide.