If Louis Armstrong were still alive, he’d be 113 years old. Celebrate the jazz legend’s birthday Aug. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Salisbury House & Gardens, which is hosting a live jazz concert on the south lawn. While you’re there, impress your friends with these little-known facts about the illustrious trumpet player:
- He wore a Star of David for most of his life to honor the LithuanianJewish family who took him in when he was 7 years old.
- In 1937, he became the first African-American to host a national radio broadcast–on the CBS radio network.
- He was the first jazz musician to be featured on the cover of Time magazine (Feb. 21, 1949).
- In 1964, he knocked The Beatles out of the No. 1 spot on the pop charts with his recording of “Hello, Dolly!”
The Ballyhoo Foxtrot Combo will kick off the Salisbury celebration at 2 p.m., followed by the Party Gras Classic Jazz Band at 3:45 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, or you can bring a picnic. Lawn chairs are provided. Admission is $15 per person, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under.
Young professionals ages 21-35 can start celebrating the night before, when Salisbury House is transformed into a jazz-era speakeasy with cocktails, appetizers and dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. Advance tickets are $25 for Salisbury House Young Professionals and $30 for nonmembers, $30 and $35 at the door, and include complimentary admission to the Sunday bash. —V.I.
Louis Armstrong
