What is jazz? It’s the original American popular music! It’s art and improvisation! It’s energetic and dance-able! Yes, jazz is all of these things, but it’s also so much more! Bring the whole family to learn all about the creation and evolution of this distinctly American musical genre at “What is Jazz? A Concert for Children and Families” at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House at 6 p.m. today.

Dr. Nick Weiser, Head of Jazz Studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia, is pleased to host this free hour-long musical event for children and families of all ages. The event will feature a Leonard Bernstein-style presentation through live performances of jazz standards and familiar favorites by members of the Fredonia Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Weiser. Many members of this college ensemble are also members of the Fredonia New Jazz Ensemble, which was recognized in 2019 with DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance by a College Large Jazz Ensemble.

Many know Weiser in the community as the artistic director of the Fredonia Jazz Society, which hosts the Jazz at Domus Fare concert series in Fredonia and recently held its first-ever two-day Fredonia Jazz Festival last month. Weiser is excited to welcome families to the 1891 Fredonia Opera House for this fun, free event. “It’s great to have another opportunity to bring this music into the community again on the heels of the Fredonia Jazz Festival, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase our fantastic Jazz Orchestra in a concert that specifically invites and encourages family participation.”

What is Jazz? is made possible by a grant awarded to Weiser by the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. Thanks to the generous funding of the United Arts Appeal, there is no cost for families to attend this event.

Per the 1891 Fredonia Opera House’s policy, masks are required to be worn inside the Opera House before, during, and after the event. For more information, contact Dr. Weiser at weiser@fredonia.edu.