American Dixieland

---

American Dixieland, sometimes called Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime, or Traditional Jazz includes early American music springing from a mix of Gospel Spiritual African American songs and original compositions. It was first recorded near the turn of the twentieth century and grew in popularity during the Roaring Twenties as WWI was fading into the history books and "flappers" were taking the spot light. The industrial revolution ultimately gave this new wild music an international audience, first through the Victrola and later through radio. American Dixieland music was full of joy and fun, reaching from New Orleans to Chicago, from Atlanta to San Francisco, and beyond.

 American Dixieland was more than a musical diversion from the turmoil of the early 1900s. American Dixieland became part of the strong fabric that helped sustain a nation through WWI, civil rights struggles, prohibition and the Great Depression. Small Dixieland jazz bands became the basis for Big Band music that became popular during the 1940s when American troops bravely fought the war against all odds to defend freedom as a fundamental human right. Dixieland musical themes, two-four beat, chord patterns and gritty poetry still influence modern music from the Blues to Rock-n-Roll and beyond. The joyous sound of Dixieland Jazz tells a story of perseverance and joy in the midst of hardship, as it continues to inspire musicians and fans to this day.

This website is dedicated to those who were gifted enough to create the music and to dance to it, and  also to those who love it as much today. We endeavor to create a window into the joy of American Dixieland music, introducing bands and musicians, writers and enthusiasts, conferences and workshops, venues and events. Our goal is that people of every age, nationality and background would have the opportunity to enjoy the timeless magic of American Dixieland music.