April has been designated Jazz Appreciation Month ("JAM") at the Smithsonian and as a result, the month will be filled with concerts, lectures, and other assorted events to celebrate this great American art form. Here are just a few of many highlights taking place around town:

>> The Smithsonian American Art Museum offers a museum jazz tour every Thursday at 4 p.m. and every Friday at 12:30 p.m. throughout the month.

>> The Smithsonian Jazz Cafe offers performances every Friday with the likes of Ray Vega, Sheryl Bailey, and Chuck Redd.

>> The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra will be performing throughout the month at various locations. Highlights include a tribute to the great Johnny Hodges and a series of master classes to coincide with the always enjoyable Big Band Jam, which begins on April 18.

>> The great Dave Brubeck and Sonny Rollins will be featured in public discussions on April 9 and 17, respectively. The Brubeck talk will be at 7:30 p.m. the Voice of America auditorium while Rollins will speak at 7 p.m. in the Freer Gallery's Meyer Auditorium.

>> The Smithsonian will host two Family Days on April 5 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and on April 12 at the National Postal Museum.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. All jazz fans should take a few minutes to explore the calendar because there is something for everybody.

Image courtesy of the Smithsonian