Satchmo Stars in International Jazz Day Bash

It was the height of the Cold War, and the Iron Curtain countries were violently anti-capitalist and anti-American. Louis Armstrong was the most popular entertainer in the world, but East Germany’s government banned stores from selling his records.

However, when Satchmo toured the land, he found adoring mobs and sold-out concerts wherever he went. This Thursday, the Louis Armstrong House Museum will celebrate International Jazz Day by screening the complete concert that the legendary trumpeter gave at the Friedrichstadtpalast in East Berlin on March 22, 1965.

To be shown at the Museum of the Moving Image, the concert features a showstopping, multi-encore version of “Hello, Dolly!” Other notable songs include “Blueberry Hill,” “Mack the Knife,” and “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.” Plus, each of Armstrong’s All Stars — including trombonist Tyree Glenn, clarinetist Eddie Shu, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, drummer Danny Barcelona, and vocalist Jewel Brown — gets the chance to show off his chops during solo jams.

To enrich the event, movie attendees will be able to enjoy Satchmo’s favorite meal, red beans and rice, and listen to an introduction by official archivist Ricky Riccardi before the feature presentation.

Details: Louis Armstrong in East Berlin 1965, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, Kaufman Arts District, April 30, 6:30 pm, $15.

Photo: Louis Armstrong House Museum