ART & JAZZ
with Elena Gilliam
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 Festival 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 using the links below.
Since 2023, with live music in full swing, Art & Jazz has been showcasing students from the outstanding college level jazz programs in the county. These quarterly events compliment the ongoing art exhibits at the MUZEO. As the Jazz Resident, I wanted to showcase some of the young talented "jazz lions" to give them more exposure within the community. During the performance, we discuss jazz history and the blending of jazz with the ongoing exhibits. The students truly enjoy the opportunity to perform live and share their insights with the audience. Of course, I jump in to sing popular standards for the occasion.
Music needs to be heard and art needs to be seen! Together they make a beautiful friendship! Come enjoy the unique atmosphere for a lovely Sunday Afternoon.
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Next Live Showcase:
Sunday May 17, 2026
2:00 - 3:30pm
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!
Previous Virtual 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
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