Fort Worth Public Library is set to announce the expansion of its Jazz Preservation Project, during a special press conference and luncheon, 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 21, Fort Worth Central Library Gallery, 500 West 3rd St. The luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m.

To promote the expansion of its Jazz Preservation Project, Fort Worth Public Library is partnering with Historic Camp Bowie Initiatives, producers of the annual Jazz By The Boulevard music festival, for this free event. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman, and pioneering drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson. In addition, many well-known local musicians such as Duane Durrett and Joey Carter will be in attendance with some performances. Author and historian Dave Oliphant will sign copies of his new book, Jazz Mavericks of the Lone Star State.

The Fort Worth Jazz Preservation Project was created to ensure the work and histories of local jazz musicians continue to be known, heard, and appreciated – both today and tomorrow. The project consists of Jazz Perspectives, a series of video interviews with influential musicians, such as Sumter Bruton, Johnny Case, and Curley Broyles; the ongoing acquisition of historically significant personal collections, such as those of Ronald Shannon Jackson and the late Dewey Redman; and library-sponsored musical performances and educational programs.

“We believe that jazz and its essence are deeply rooted in the city’s collective consciousness, and that the music, its composers, and performers have contributed significantly to the diverse and thriving communities and cultural institutions that exist throughout Fort Worth today,” said Dr. Gleniece Robinson, library director. “We are committed to ensuring this most-treasured heritage is not lost.”

This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Jazz Line at 817.763.JAZZ (5299). Parking is available at the 3rd Street Parking Garage, located at the corner of 3rd and Taylor Streets. The first 2.5 hours are free with library validation. To make arrangements for sign-language interpretation, call 817.871.READ or TDD 817.871.8926 at least 48 hours in advance of the event.