Fans of the vibrant rhythms and melodies that characterize jazz are in for a treat this month. Fort Worth's Public Libraries have decided to mark Jazz Appreciation Month with a series of complimentary live performances by Myles Tate and the Soul Revival. The group, known for their infusion of Gospel, R&B, Blues, and Soul into their music, will be playing across three different library locations in April, as reported by the City of Fort Worth.
Those looking to soak in the soulful sounds can catch the first of these performances, featuring the Chicago music scene veteran Myles Tate III, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Northwest Branch Library. The series carries on through the month with shows touted as a "fun, relaxing time with friends and family" by the event organizers. At the Ella Mae Shamblee Branch Library, the second concert is slated to hit the stage on April 20, following the final act which rounds off at the Vivian J. Lincoln Library on April 27.
Tate, who made his mark early at 19 years old while attending Roosevelt University, is not just a performer but also dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of the younger generations, serving as a band director for middle and high school students. His commitment to excellence in music education appears to be as unwavering as his devotion to his craft.
Commemorating an art form that has become synonymous with the American cultural landscape, Jazz Appreciation Month has been an annual tradition since its inception in 2001 by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The celebration claims its spot in April to honor the birth month of jazz legend Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington who was born on April 29, 1899. In doing so, the city joins a nationwide chorus giving props to the genre that has influenced countless generations and artists, and that continues to evolve even as it echoes the voices of its storied past.
