Slideshow: Music festivals with all that jazz

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Like good wine, jazz music plays on the mind and the senses, with the power to invoke passion, melancholy, and jubilation all in the same trip along the scales. More than other forms of music, jazz is uniquely American – African, Latin, and European musical traditions combine to form something entirely new.

Every generation of jazz musicians takes the genre to strange new heights of improvisation and experimentation, while master artists refine and re-imagine familiar sounds with subtle new complexities.

In celebration of April as both Jazz Appreciation Month and the start of the summer festival season, theGrio has compiled this list of the top jazz festivals around the States and beyond.

Festivals offer a great chance to meet other jazz fans, introduce newcomers to the genre, learn more about the music’s history and techniques, and of course, enjoy the music. Many festivals offer hands-on activities geared specifically for children and families, while others cater to die-hard fans with intimate jam sessions and master clinics.

Whether your tastes lean toward relaxing smooth jazz, mind-warping experimental, or hip-swaying Latin jazz, there’s a festival to suit.

Jazz festivals come in all sizes, seasons, locations, and attitudes – sometimes all at the same festival – so even if you’ve never thought of attending one, reward yourself this year with a trip. Whether you visit a local street festival or an exotic destination event, you will be transported.

For more stories about travel & destinations of interest to African-Americans visit our sponsor blackatlas.com>