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Recognizing the Montreux Jazz Festival and the rich jazz history of Philadelphia and expressing the City's desire to host a world-class jazz festival in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, the Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs in Montreux, Switzerland, is one of the most renowned and longest-running music festivals in the world, having showcased exceptional jazz performances from both legendary and emerging artists across various genres; and
WHEREAS, the Montreux Jazz Festival has become a global symbol of artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the celebration of jazz music, attracting audiences from around the world to experience an extraordinary blend of live performances, masterclasses, and workshops; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia, known as a significant birthplace of American jazz, boasts a long and illustrious history of contributions to the genre, with iconic musicians such as John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sidney Bechet having roots in the City, as well as many others who shaped the course of jazz and popular music worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia continues to serve as a vibrant hub for jazz and other forms of musical expression, with a wealth of talented local musicians, educators, and institutions dedicated to preserving and advancing the tradition of jazz in the city, including the Philadelphia International Records and the annual Philadelphia Jazz Festival; and
WHEREAS, District 8 hosts a Jazz, Funk and Soul Concert series every summer in a public park to celebrate the rich impact of this music with families and community members; and
WHEREAS, the City of Philadelphia seeks to build upon its rich musical heritage by fostering cultural tourism, local talent, and international collaborations through the hosting of a world-class jazz festival that will bring together artists, fans, and the broader community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Philadelphia acknowledges that a jazz festival, modeled after the Montreux Jazz Festival, would not only honor the city's musical legacy but also provide a platform for new generations of artists, as well as contribute to the City’s cultural vibrancy and economy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City of Philadelphia recognizes the importance of the Montreux Jazz Festival in global jazz culture and expresses its desire to host a similar world-class jazz festival in the City of Philadelphia, one that reflects the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and tradition that has defined both the Montreux Jazz Festival and Philadelphia’s own contributions to the world of music.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City of Philadelphia encourages collaboration between local institutions, artists, cultural organizations, and city officials to make this vision a reality, promoting jazz music as a key element of the city's cultural identity and economic growth.
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