San Diego’s Jazz 88.3 Jazz88.org has dedicated a gift from the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation to further the outreach of “Jazz An American Art Form” (JAAAF). JAAAF is a 45 minute presentation about the birth and development of Jazz and Blues, scaled for elementary and middle school students. JAAAF was created by San Diegan and world-renowned bassist, Rob Thorsen and features a world-class lineup of San Diego musicians including Gilbert Castellanos trumpet, Bob Boss guitar, and Richard Sellers drums. Working with Young Audiences of San Diego, who schedules and places a variety of enrichment programs for schools around the county, Jazz 88.3 underwrites a portion of the cost of JAAAF for Title I schools, schools that are often strapped financially.
Ella Fitzgerald and San Diego have long and deep ties, from her earliest appearances here in the late 1930’s at venues like the Mission Beach Ballroom and through her celebrated accompanists who lived here and still make San Diego home. And to keep the birthday celebration swinging, San Diego’s Jazz 88.3 on-air hosts share their thoughts on "Lady Ella" and will be curating some of their favorites tunes featuring the “Queen of Jazz” for you all day Saturday, April 25, the 98th Birthday of “The First Lady of Jazz” and in the weeks ahead.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE for more on “Jazz An American Art Form”, Ella’s ties to San Diego, and thoughts and favorites from your Jazz 88.3 On-Air Hosts and Staff.
Read full article at: Jazz An American Art Form Swings Harder in San Diego Thanks To Ella Fitzgerald