In December of 1997, one of Houston, Texas' finest jazz venues closed its door for the last time. Rockefeller's had been an icon for national and local talent for 18-plus years. The club's demise meant the end of a jazz institution. Over the years, some of the best artists and musicians in jazz made their way through the doors of Rockefeller's. After its closing, Houston experienced sporadic attempts at bringing national jazz talent to various concert halls and to a few clubs. The results …

In 1971, Bubbha Thomas, the Executive Director of Jazz Education, Inc. sought to have the month of August designated as Jazz Month in the City of Houston. With that idea came a proclamation in support of that effort. Bubbha's vision, led to an increased focus on programs relating to educational opportunities for students interesting in pursuing jazz as educators or professional musicians. Since those early days, jazz education has become a major focal point on a national and …

The City of Houston is widely known for its lackadasical attitude towards jazz. The municipality boasts two radio stations, three festivals and a number of educational opportunities devoted to America's only original art form. But in spite of these offerings, jazz acceptance seems to have a hard road to travel in Houston; however, every once in a while a bright light of jazz activated energy appears on the horizon, giving promise to jazz connoisseurs all is not lost forever. Overall when examini …

Thirty-one years ago, Texas Southern University launched KTSU 90.9 FM, a 10-watt 24-hour radio station capable of a broadcast radius of 10 miles. Housed in a converted building on the campus of the university, the station was the first black-oriented FM station in Houston, Texas. KTSU also had the distinction of being the first radio outlet located at a predominantly black institution of higher learning in Texas. Since those humble beginnings in 1974, KTSU-FM affectionately known a …

By most standards that have already been established, the 15th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival was a huge success. Held in Houston, Texas on August 5th, 6th, and 7th, the Festival featured three nights of exceptional jazz entertainment, all of which were highlighted by various themes associated with the international aspects of the event. On August 5th and 6th, Asian and Latin Jazz Night provided the internat …