Celebration Days in November

December 2, 2024

I love November – it’s one of my favorite months of the year. The temperature is starting to cool down meanwhile some people are preparing for Thanksgiving and observing National Indigenous Peoples Day.

November has many fun and interesting holidays like Saxophone Day. Saxophones are popular for use in jazz music. Indiana has produced many people influential in jazz like Cole Porter, Wes Montgomery, Alonzo ‘Pookie’ Johnson, The Hampton Sisters, David Baker, and jazz scholar, Duncan Schiedt, just to name a few. Jazz has had a huge impact on American culture, and Indiana’s contribution to the genre is significant.

Picture of jazz scholar, Duncan Schiedt; Tenor saxophone playing jazz musician and music educator, Alonzo ‘Pookie’ Johnson. IHS, M1178; IHS, M1340

Duncan Schiedt was not from Indiana but moved here in 1951. He became well known in Indiana, as he documented jazz concerts throughout Indianapolis. His documentaries became well-known throughout the Jazz community. Many of his materials are archived in our library.

Alonzo ‘Pookie’ Johnson, however, was a native of Indianapolis. He was well-known as a saxophone-playing jazz musician and music educator in the greater Indianapolis Community. Johnson attended Crispus Attucks High School and then graduated from Butler University. He was the bandleader for several groups including The Wee Dots, The Pookie Johnson Quartet, and The Indy Jazz Company. He was skilled at playing many instruments, but the saxophone was his favorite to play. There are so many great photographs in our digital collection featuring the saxophone, so I share a few more images below.

Duke Ellington’s Orchestra’s saxophone section, two altos, one tenor, and one baritone saxophone shown here; Buddy Parker with his tenor saxophone; Photo of an unidentified musician playing the baritone saxophone. IHS, M1178; IHS, P0233; IHS, M1178

Mason Jar Day is also another national day in November. My family is especially fond of Ball jars, since many are Ball State University alumni. My great-grandmother, however, used Ball and brands of Mason jars. Preserving fruits and vegetables from her garden. She grew all sorts of produce, including apples, which she would turn into homemade jams and jellies to share with neighbors and family.

Advertisement for Ball Brothers Glass Mfg. Co., Muncie, Indiana. IHS

Personally, I prefer to use them for my ice coffee. That is what Mason Jar Day is about: connecting with others, whether by sharing a homemade treat or enjoying a favorite drink in a jar.

Amy Vedra is the director of reference services. She is currently reading her way through the Great American Reads list.

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