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Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns – Episode Two: The Gift (Film)
  • Date: Friday, May 16, 2014
  • Time: 5:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns is an exploration of one of the defining art forms of America. From Duke Ellington to Louis Armstrong, Jazz traces the people and cultures of the music from its very origins in New Orleans. Following its progression through two World Wars, a Great Depression, and economic boom times all the way up to today, Ken Burns paints a rich and complete picture of the evolution of jazz music.

Speakeasies, flappers, and easy money – it’s the Jazz Age. In this episode the story of jazz becomes a tale of two great cities, Chicago and New York, and of two extraordinary artists whose lives and music will span almost three-quarters of a century – Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

The National Archives is also screening Episodes One, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten as part of Jazz at the National Archives. You can purchase the entire series on DVD from the myArchives Store; members receive a 10% discount.

Jazz logo large greyJazz at the National Archives is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives through the generous support of Natixis Global Asset Management.