Jazz Expert from Smithsonian Museum Shares His Passion with Slovak Students

April 30, 2008

Smithsonian jazz expert -- and founder of "Jazz Appreciation Month" -- John Hasse visited Bratislava April 29 to share his love of jazz with Slovak students of music and others interested in American popular culture. In an interactive digital video conference (DVC), Mr. Hasse reached two other locations, Kosice and Banska Bystrica, with his presentation on American jazz great, Duke Ellington. Slovak jazz guitarist Matus Jakabcic and fellow musicians also performed American and original jazz compositions. The embassy broke new ground in bringing three live audiences together to hear the discussion and live music.