Share
“The People’s Music: Jazz in St. Paul” was the focus of an Untold Stories program co-sponsored by the Labor Education Service and featuring musical performances.
In celebration of labor history month each May, the Untold Stories series presents free programs and talks on local and national labor history topics. The series is sponsored by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.
The May 11 program, held at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, included a reception sponsored by the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota and a program narrated by LES staff member Sharice McCain.
Performers included The Tommy Robinson Trio; the Capitol Hill Jazz Band from Capitol Hill Junior High in St. Paul; and student musicians from Roseville High School.
The city of St. Paul has been a hotbed of jazz since the music literally came up river from the Mississippi Delta and the city of New Orleans in the early 20th century. In the ensuing decades, St. Paul has nurtured jazz music and culture.
The program included songs from the big band, swing and contemporary eras.
When asked why he liked to play jazz, one Capitol Hill student replied simply, “It’s fun!”
Learn more about future Untold Stories program on The Friends website.