Jerome Kern
Digest
Father Doran Stanbaugh introduces the podcast and promotes St. Michael's annual Jazz Festival in Southern California, featuring the Jazz Evensong Quintet and the Rebirth Brass Band. The main segment delves into the life and music of Jerome Kern, exploring his significant contributions to musical theatre, particularly *Show Boat*, and the enduring appeal of his compositions to jazz musicians despite his reservations about jazz interpretations. His personal life, including his love of Boston Terriers and rare books, is also mentioned. The podcast concludes with further details about the weekly Jazz Evensong gatherings and the upcoming St. Michael's Jazz Fest, including the lineup of performers and event specifics.
Outlines
Introduction and Jazz Festival Announcement
The episode begins with an introduction by Father Doran Stanbaugh, followed by a promotion of St. Michael's annual Jazz Festival in Southern California, featuring the Jazz Evensong Quintet and the Rebirth Brass Band.
Jerome Kern: A Deep Dive into His Life and Music
The main discussion begins, focusing on Jerome Kern's life, his prolific songwriting career, his contributions to musical theater (particularly *Show Boat*), and the enduring appeal of his compositions to jazz musicians despite his own reservations about jazz interpretations of his work. His personal life, including his love of Boston Terriers and rare books, is also touched upon.
Upcoming Events: Jazz Evensong and St. Michael's Jazz Fest
Details about the weekly Jazz Evensong gatherings and the upcoming St. Michael's Jazz Fest are provided, including the lineup of performers and event details.
Keywords
Jerome Kern
A highly influential American composer of musical theatre and popular songs (1885-1945). Known for *Show Boat* and songs like "All the Things You Are." His sophisticated harmonies influenced many jazz musicians.
Show Boat
A landmark 1927 musical with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Considered one of the first "book musicals," seamlessly integrating song and story.
Book Musical
A genre of musical theatre where musical numbers are integrated into a cohesive narrative. *Show Boat* is an early example.
St. Michael's Jazz Fest
An annual free jazz festival held in Carlsbad, California, featuring various jazz and brass bands.
Jazz Evensong
A weekly free jazz concert series held at St. Michael's by the Sea in Carlsbad, California.
Rebirth Brass Band
A Grammy Award-winning brass band from New Orleans, headlining the St. Michael's Jazz Fest.
Carlsbad, California
The location of St. Michael's by the Sea and the St. Michael's Jazz Fest.
Musical Theatre
The genre of theatrical performance that combines music, songs, and spoken dialogue.
Q&A
How did Jerome Kern's work contribute to the evolution of the musical?
Kern, with Hammerstein II and *Show Boat*, helped create the "book musical," integrating songs into a cohesive narrative, significantly impacting musical theatre.
Why are Jerome Kern's compositions still popular with jazz musicians?
Kern's songs have strong melodies and sophisticated harmonies that lend themselves well to jazz improvisation.
What is Jazz Evensong?
A weekly free jazz concert series held at St. Michael's by the Sea in Carlsbad, California.
What is the St. Michael's Jazz Fest?
An annual free jazz festival in Carlsbad, California, featuring various jazz and brass bands, including the Rebirth Brass Band.
Show Notes
Jerome Kern (born January 27, 1885) was one of the most beloved and prolific of the Great American Songbook composers. While he wasn’t especially fond of jazz music himself, many of his compositions have been embraced by jazz musicians because of their strong, original harmonic and melodic content.
Plus ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.
Learn more and consider volunteering or donating:
https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/
Saturday, September 27, 2025
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