Louis Armstrong House Museum Presents Free Summer Jazz Concerts Beginning 6/12

Outstanding young bands will play traditional jazz in Hot Jazz/Cool Garden, a free concert series at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. The popular concerts will be held in the beautiful and shady Japanese-style garden built by jazz legend Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille. All concerts are from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Hot Jazz/Cool Garden was created to showcase New Groups that specialize in this musical genre. This year's lineup will feature Grandpa Musselman & His Syncopators on June 12, The Recessionals on July 24, and Carol Sudhalter's Astoria Jazz Band on August 28.

Grandpa Musselman & His Syncopators - June 12
This New York City musical group will perform masterpieces from the first generation of jazz. Led by trombonist Matt Musselman, the ensemble consists of six Manhattan School of Music alumni in a classic New Orleans setup. The group will explore vintage repertoire from 1900s ragtime to 1950s swing. Their exciting sounds have been heard all over the city at such venues as MOMA, Bryant Park and BargeMusic.

The Recessionals - July 24
Founded by guitarist/banjo player Greg Englar and trumPeter Jason Prover, the group of six musicians has developed an authentic New Orleans sound through traditional spirituals, Dixieland, and unconventional songs in the style of early jazz.

Carol Sudhalter's Astoria Jazz Band - August 28
Wrapping up the Hot Jazz series, this group's program of "Women Composers of Queens" will feature works created by prominent women entertainers and composers from the jazz and classical disciplines. They will include selections by Billie Holiday, Emme Kemp, Jutta Hipp, Sarah McLawler and Queens-based composer Julie Mandel and her Subway Suite.

The Louis Armstrong House will remain open for tours from noon to 4:00 pm. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for seniors and students. A 40-minute guided tour of the historic house and entry to the museum's current exhibit are included with admission.

The museum is located at 34-56 107th Street in Corona, Queens.

For directions, visit http://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/visiting/overview.htm.

It is only natural for jazz musicians to play in the home of the legendary Satchmo, who moved to Corona, Queens, with his wife Lucille in 1943. The couple spent the rest of their lives in this house. Thanks to the vision and financial support of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, their residence-still containing its original furnishings-is a National Historic Landmark administered by Queens College. The tour explores the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong and includes recordings of him enjoying a meal with Lucille at his dining room table, chatting with friends in his living room, or practicing the trumpet in his den. For more information on the concerts and the Louis Armstrong House Museum, including directions, visit www.louisarmstronghouse.org.