I've always loved the concept of visual art and music linked together as one event. In 2015 I premiered my first Art of Jazz Celebration at the beautiful Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, California. It was a wonderful Art exhibit and showcase of outstanding Jazz musicians.

     Starting in 2020, I began producing an online program, again hosted by the MUZEO. Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam were recorded programs presented quarterly and posted to YouTube for viewing anytime. They include virtual exhibits of individual artists and great music from jazz and visual artists; photographers, painters and more!  During the Pandemic, it became a space to enjoy the art from home. The shows are on YouTube for continued viewing.

     Since 1923, with live music in full swing, I've presented jazz music quarterly to compliment the art exhibits at the MUZEO. As the Jazz Resident, I produce the showcase inviting local college students within the Jazz programs to provide the music. During the presentation, we discuss jazz history and how it relates to the ongoing exhibit. The students enjoy an opportunity to perform live and share their insights with the audience.

      Music needs to be heard and art needs to be seen! Together they make a beautiful friendship! Come enjoy the beautiful atmosphere!

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Next Live Showcase:

Art & Jazz

Sunday March 23, 2025, 2:00-3:00pm

Enjoy jazz music from pianist Cass Stork and Elena Gilliam as they present standards from the movies.

Current Exhibit:

PAINTED FOR THE PICTURES: THE ILLUSTRATIVE ART OF CLASSIC MOVIE POSTERS

Tickets available online or in person

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MUZEO Museum & Cultural Center

241 S. Anaheim Blvd.

Anaheim, CA 92805

714-765-6450

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Art & Jazz with Resident Jazz Artist Elena Gilliam

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam is a quarterly live program hosted by the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, California.   As the Muzeo Jazz Resident, Elena produces the show as a vehicle to shine a light on jazz music and visual art congruently.  The Live events are held on-site at the Muzeo and give a wonderful opportunity to visit the exhibits while listening to live jazz. Virtual shows are uploaded to YouTube for viewing.  Feel free to check out past episodes with special guests including; Mark Miller, Bob Barry, Terrence Love, Tony Guerrero, Donald Dean, Henry "the Skipper" Franklin, Bili Redd Thedford, Valerie Herring, the George Gilliam Trio Summer Sessions, and many more!   

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Previous Shows available on YouTube:

 

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam November 12, 2023

We explored the exciting rhythms of Latin Jazz from its beginning with interviews from Mario Bauzá, Arturo Sandoval, Dizzy Gillespie, and Eliane Elias.  Latin music gained momentum during the early 1900’s in the United States on the East Coast. Afro-Cuban jazz is the first form of Latin jazz, emerging in New York City in the early 1940s with Mario Bauza and Frank “Machito” Grillo and their band Machito and his Afro-Cubans. It was the beginning of a long-standing musical blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and instruments. Legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and percussionist Chano Pozo also brought the first collaboration of Afro-Cuban music and bebop often referred to as “CuBop.” 

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam August 13, 2023

This show highlighted a few of the marvelous crooners in early jazz; Arthur Prysock, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine and Johnny Hartman. Adding to the ambiance is the outstanding work of artist Keith Mallett (keithmallett.com).

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam - May 14, 2023

The amazing voices of Mildred Bailey, Blossom Dearie,  Anita O'Day, Una Mae Carlise, Dorothy Dandridge and a couple of other surprises. Special guest art exhibit with work from Diane Russell from Portland, Oregon. 

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam - February 12, 2023

The show shines a light on their extraordinary musical careers of Duke Ellington and Count Basie.  Included are a few of their timeless music performances with special guest stars Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Williams.  On Exhibit is the amazing artwork of Everett Spruill.

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam- August 14, 2022 Featuring the Artistry of Blue Note Records- photography of Francis Wolff and Designer Reid Miles. Virtual exhibit with Janice D Monaco, Southern California multimedia artist shares her beautiful work.

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam - May 8, 2022 Featuring Bob Barry, Jazzographer & Mark Christian Miller, Entertainer/Promoter

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam - February 13, 2022 Featuring Tribute to MLK, Terrence Love, Photographer/Jazz Promoter

Art & Jazz with Elena Gilliam - November 14, 2022 Highlighting artists from the past year

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