Baltimore Jazz Scene

Baltimore Jazz Scene

Place of Publication: Baltimore, MD
Language: English
Date of Publication: 1967-1972
Publishers: Left Bank Jazz Society
Type: Full Text

The Baltimore Jazz Scene was an annual publication of the Left Bank Jazz Society, an organization founded in 1964 to address “the plight of jazz in the city.” The Society organized concerts, held initially at the Al Ho Club, later the Madison Club and the Famous Ballroom, and which brought many well-known jazz musicians to Baltimore. The Society also fostered networks of disc jockeys to encourage radio play of jazz. Benny Kearse, president of the Society, also served as editor for Baltimore Jazz Scene.

Baltimore Jazz Scene was a highly-illustrated yearbook, containing large numbers of photographs taken at the Society’s concerts which accompanied articles on concerts, musicians, or the Society itself. The Society also worked with its sister societies, the Left Bank Jazz Society of Washington D.C., and the Left Bank Jazz Society no. 954 which existed for incarcerated men in the Maryland Penitentiary. (Another branch, no. 534, was later formed for those in the House of Correction in Jessup.) Baltimore Jazz Scene documents the numerous activities of the Society to develop, promote, and employ jazz for local and societal good.

RIPM Jazz Periodicals contains issues for years 1967-1972 and a volume for 1975 is forthcoming. Additional years are thought to exist; should these be located, we hope to add these to RIPM Jazz, also.