John Baker Film Collection Ribbon Cutting

This vibrant footage of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm just might be the greatest thing ever. It's one of the films that will captivate people attending tonight's free grand opening of the John Baker Film Collection Exhibit at the American Jazz Museum.

From a press release: The newly constructed John Baker Film Collection Exhibit – the first new renovation to the Museum’s permanent exhibit – will open to the public Friday, September 18th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., during a special event featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, exhibit tours, live jazz concert – featuring the Louis Neal Big Band, hors d’oeuvres, keynote speaker Pearl Bowser and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. Admission is free and open to the public.

Valuable context is provided by Joe Klopus. Steve Kraske spoke to museum president Gregory Carroll and exhibit consultant Rodney Thompson on KCUR's Up To Date. Download the show here. The jazz segment begins at the 25:25 mark.