Jazz Concert, Photo Exhibition are Inspired by 'Louis Armstrong Day' at 1964 World's Fair

Almost exactly 50 years ago, the event organizing committee decided that June 30, 1964 would be “Louis Armstrong Day” at the 1964 World’s Fair. So on that afternoon, the legendary jazz trumpeter left his Corona home in a motorcade (below) and rode through the fairgrounds in Flushing Meadows Corona Park while greeting fans. Satchmo and his band then gave a concert at the Singer Bowl, which is now called “Louis Armstrong Stadium” and sits on the grounds of the USTA–Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This Sunday, June 29th, a concert and exhibition opening will celebrate the musician and his participation in the World’s Fair, thanks to a partnership between the Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Queens Museum. At 4 pm, Catherine Russell (above) — a Grammy winner who has recorded with such superstars as David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, and Jackson Browne — will perform at the museum. The event will also launch Ambassador Satchmo at the World’s Fair, a series of never-before-published images of Pops during the day he was honored. His personal photographer, Jack Bradley, documented the event. 

Details: A Jazz Soirée with Catherine Russell, Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, June 29th, 4 pm, free with suggested donation.

Bonus details: Ambassador Satchmo at the World’s Fair, Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, June 29th through September 14th, free with suggested donation.

Top photo: Catherine Russell; bottom photo: Louis Armstrong House Musuem