John Groot

Historical marker location:

Altamont, New York

( Marker is on Western Avenue (County Route 397), on the right when traveling south.)

Marker installed: 1932

The first recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.