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Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns – Episode Four: The True Welcome (Film)
- Date: Friday, June 13, 2014
- Time: 4:00 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.
This episode starts in 1929 as the Great Depression begins; and New York has become America’s jazz capital. On Broadway, Louis Armstrong revolutionizes the art of American popular song. In Harlem, Chick Webb pioneers his own big-band sound and in the city’s clubs, pianists Fats Waller and Art Tatum dazzle audiences. But it is Duke Ellington who takes jazz “beyond category,” composing hit tunes that has critics comparing him to Stravinsky.
The National Archives is also screening Episodes One, Two, Three, 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 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.
| All public programs at the National Archives are free. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. |
