Jazz is more than just music: It is a living cultural narrative that mirrors the complexities, struggles, and triumphs of American society. From its early roots in ragtime and on the streets of New Orleans to the expansive experimentation of the avant-garde, jazz has continually redefined itself, evolving with each generation to extend the boundaries of the genre. During Jazz Appreciation Month, SJMO invites audiences to experience this vibrant story in sound. Filled with variety, the concert celebrates jazz in all its forms—contrasting styles, expressive interplays, and musicians who hail from every corner of the country and every occupation. Selections include Jelly Roll Morton’s “Black Bottom Stomp,” Sun Ra’s “Kingdom of Not,” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Meditation #1.”