On March 6th, 1917, the Victor Talking Mchine Co. released a recording by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band of "Original Dixieland Jass Band One Step' and 'Livery Stable Blues'.   On May 31 of that same year, another disc by ODJB was released by Columbia Gramaphone Co.  This disc included "Darktown Strutters Ball" and "Indiana."  These sides became hits and gave Americans across the country their first taste of America's only original art form, jazz.  "Erie Celebrates 100 Years of Recorded Jazz" is a year-long celebration presented by JazzErie and the sponsors below..

SAVE THESE DATES!!!  (Note changes from previous posting.)

August 4   WQLN Sounds Around Concert: re-creation of "Jazz at the Philharmonic" concert, with regional musicians burning up the evening air.  7:00 p.m.  WQLN Studio, 8425 Peach St.  Free. Co-sponsored with WQLN and Local 17, AFM.

Thurs., Sept. 6    Tom Rainey Trio, with Rainey on drums, Mary Halvorson - guitar, Ingrid Laubock - reeds.  8:00 p.m., PACA, 1505 State St. Co-sponsored by JazzErie.

Oct. 6   Singer Vanessa Rubin and saxophonist Don Braden  8:00 p.m., Erie Art Museum.  Suggested donation $20 general admission, $15 JazzErie members.  Co-sponsored with Erie Art Museum.

Oct. 28   Erie Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, featuring Chris Brubeck Quartet.  8;00 p.m., Warner Theater.  Ticket information at www.eriephil.org or call (814) 455-1375.  Co-sponsored by JazzErie.

Nov. 17   Bobby Selvaggio and Red Rhinoscerous.  8:00 p.m. at the Erie Art Museum.  Suggested donation $20 general admission, $15 JazzErie members. Co-sponsored by Erie Art Museum.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!!

Not all jazz happens in public settings.  Informal sessions in living rooms, basements and garages are part of a time-honored tradition.

For example, Joe Dorris' basement.  Drummer , singer, harmonica-playing Dorris has accomodated fellow musicians in a basement remodeled for this purpose. (Joe'd day job is as a construction contractor, so he did it himself.)   In addition to regular rehearsals for the band "Cats A Bear," the basement music room became the site of weekly jam sessions.

The genesis of the sessions arose from a conversation Joe had with pianist Dave Calabrese at the papermoon restaurant, where Joe had a regular gig with Basil Ronzitti and Dave was an avid listener.  Dave was looking for a chance to try out his growing skills, and Joe offered to gather some other musicians, both established and budding, for a trial run.  That was 11 years ago, and the sessions are still a regular event.

Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," by the very young Joey Alexander, with his seasoned trio, and saxophone master Chris Potter.