Francis E. Willard

Historical marker location:

Churchville, New York

( Marker is on South Main Street (New York State Route 36) 0.2 miles south of North Buffalo Street (New York State Route 33), on the right when traveling north.)

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.