Since April is Jazz Appreciation Month in the U.S., it got me thinking about sounds.  Hip hop. Heavy metal. House music. Heavenly harmonies. Music adds rhythm to any event. It gets things moving.

Imagine some events without music. Could a bride make that walk down the aisle without music? What would a fashion show be like without those syncopated beats for models to strut down the runway?  Could a birthday party be happy without the titled song? How can holiday parties or festivals be festive without the signature sounds—Christmas carols, African drums, strolling mariachi bands, or Chinese cymbals and gongs. Imagine a U.S. sporting event starting without the singing of the “National Anthem”; or the President of the United States entering a room without playing “Hail to the Chief.” And a New Year beginning without “Auld Lang Syne,” leaves you wondering if the old year really ended.

Music sets the mood of so many events.  Music ignites memories of forgotten moments. It stimulates the soul. Keep that in mind when you plan your next gala, party or get together.

If you’re in Paris or New Orleans at the end of the month, stop by these musical events.  April 30 is International Jazz Day and the official kick-off is on April 27 with an all-day program at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and a performance by jazz great and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who established that day.  Hancock will begin the April 30 celebrations with a sunrise concert in New Orleans at Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz.

Confucius said, “music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” Music may be just the touch to guarantee a good time.