Check out music by

Dizzy Gillespie
Duke Ellington
Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey
Charlie Parker
Scott Joplin
Miles Davis
Count Basie
Wynton Marsalis
Louis Armstrong
Cab Calloway
Bessie Smith
Billie Holiday
Fats Waller
Jelly Roll Morton
Pete Fountain
Glenn Miller
John Coltrane
Benny Goodman
Ella Fitzgerald
Thelonius Monk
Art Blakey
Muddy Waters
B. B. King

Check out the section of this blog about JAZZ for other ideas

Http://www.booksandmore4kids.blogspot.co…

My favorite drummer (and percussionist) who had played and recorded with such bands as Weather Report, among many others is someone to really listen to. Here's a little bio on him (I can't say enough about him – seen him live many times in both his jazz band and his ethnic latin band.

Born: December 12, 1944

Alex Acuña – drums, percussion
Alex Acuña was born on December 12, 1944 in Pativilca, Peru – a small coastal village 100 miles north of the capital city of Lima, Peru. His real name is Alexjandro Neciosup Acuña. A self-educated musician, he was inspired by his father and brothers (all of whom were musicians). By the time Alex turned ten, he was already playing in local bands. As a teenager, he was one of Peru's most accomplished session drummers, performing on many recording projects for artists as well as film and television productions. Alex also earned a glowing reputation for his skills as a live performer.

At the age of eighteen, Alex was chosen by the great Latin bandleader, Perez Prado, to join his big band. It was with the Prado band that Alex first traveled to the United States. Several years later, he began studying at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, playing as classical percussionist with the Symphony Orchestra for the Pablo Casals Summer Festivals in San Juan, P.R. In 1974, Alex moved to Las Vegas and there, played with such greats as Elvis Presley and Diana Ross. Following this chapter of his career, Alex became both drummer and percussionist for one of the most innovative jazz groups of our time, Weather Report, recording “Black Market” and the famous “Heavy Weather” album.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1978, Alex quickly earned the position of a valued session drummer and percussionist for recordings, television and motion pictures. He became the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Emeritus MVP award from the L.A. Chapter of National Academy of Recording for the Arts and Sciences and winner of the “Latin/Brazilian percussionist” Category of Modern Drummer's “Reader's Poll” for five years running.

His countless album credits and live performances are comprised of such diverse artists as U2, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Al Jarreau, Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Andre Crouch, The Winans, Tracy Chapman, Sheryl Crow, Whitney Houston, Bruce Willis, Seal, Yellow Jackets, The Brecker Brothers, Chick Corea, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Carlos Santana, The Gipsy Kings, Julio Iglesias, Herbie Hancock, Koinonia, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Placido Domingo, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and Integrity Music Productions internationally with artists such as Ron Kenoly and others.

Alex has recorded film scores under the direction of Dave Grusin, Alan Silvestry, Michele Legrand, Bill Conti, Michele Colombier, Marvin Hamlish, Maurice Jaree, Mark Isham, Hans Zimmer, John Williams and many more!

In 2007 he was the percussionist on the last Joe Zawinul record “Brown Street.”

Hmmm…i'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with travel agencies.on the contrary, they should have made it easier for you to select a vacation. What do you think of a vacation to los angeles, california? There is a lot of very interest things to do and places to visit (including the obvious theme parks & nice tourist attractions). The best thing to do is plan ahead (make a complete and thorough itinerary) and purchase everything in advance

Attractions in this city are numerous and varied. There are more than 2,000 museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions in Los Angeles. Los Angeles features itself as a great hostess providing its visitors with activities such as museums, beaches, restaurants, performing arts, people watching and sports. Take a stroll through vintage Hollywood along the Walk of Fame, stopping to catch a show at Mann's Chinese Theatre, then duck into the Roosevelt Hotel, recently restored to its old Hollywood glory. Rodeo Drive showcases the latest trends. No matter where you travel in and near Los Angeles, there is something exciting to do or see. The area also features dozens of annual events, from parades, to sporting meets to festivals.

Los Angeles has drawn the attention of people from all over, making it the entertainment capital of the world. Hollywood is only a few minutes away with the fabulous wonderland which is known as Universal Studios. Plan an extra day or two to explore Universal with the family. Among its intriguing film sets and sound stages situated in the spectacular Hollywood Hills, there are shows and exhibits to entertain and astound even the most sophisticated.

Los Angeles has not only played a major role in the development of television, music, fashion and art in the past, it is also at the forefront in the present in creating and maintaining a diverse center of pop and traditional culture.

Here is a list of attractions/things to do:

El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historic Monument
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Ste 400
Los Angeles CA 90012
213-680-2525
Home of world-famous Olvera Street and site of Los Angeles' birthplace, this colorful Mexican marketplace, which opened in 1930, features 27 historic buildings surrounding the old Plaza.

California Museum of Science and Industry
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90037
213-744-7400
Contemporary science and technology museum features exhibits on aerospace, science, earthquakes, mathematics, energy, health and economics. IMAX Theater.

HOLLYWOOD Sign
With letters 50 ft tall, Hollywood's trademark sign can be spotted from miles away and is recognized around the world. The sign, which originally spelled out "Hollywoodland," was erected in the Hollywood Hills in 1923 to promote a real-estate development.

California Science Center
700 State Dr., Exposition Park
213-744-7400
Exhibits focus around the science that we encounter in our to everyday life. Tess, the animatronic star of "BodyWorks," demonstrates how the body's organs work together to maintain balance. The Imax Theater, with 3-D capabilities and a seven-story movie screen, shows science-related films.

Capitol Records Tower
1750 N. Vine St
On its south wall, L.A. Artist Richard Wyatt's mural Hollywood Jazz, 1945-1972, immortalizes musical greats Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. The blinking light at the top of the tower spells out "Hollywood" in Morse code.

Central Library
630 W. 5th St
213-228-7000
Major fires in the 1980s closed the library for six years. The original building, designed by Bertram Goodhue, was completely restored to its 1926 condition. The library also features a 1-1/2-acre outdoor garden.

Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St
323-933-9211
In July 1934, two entrepreneurs developed a European-style open-air market where farmers could sell their produce to local housewives. The idea was an instant success, the market has more than 110 stalls and more than 20 restaurants, many with alfresco dining under umbrellas.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
All along this mile-long stretch of Hollywood Boulevard sidewalk, the names of more than 2,000 entertainment legends are embossed in brass, each at the center of a pink star embedded in dark-gray terrazzo.

Huntington Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd
626-405-2100
The awesome 150-acre Huntington Gardens include a 12-acre Desert Garden. The Japanese Garden features traditional Japanese plants, stone ornaments, and a Japanese house.

Kidspace
390 S. El Molino Ave
626-449-9143
This children's museum is housed in the gymnasium of an elementary school. There are plenty activities for the children to get involved with. Kids can direct a television or radio station; dress up in the real uniforms of a firefighter, astronaut, or football player; or play in tunnels for exploring insect life.

La Brea Tar Pits
In the early 20th century, geologists discovered that the sticky tar found in these pits contained the largest collection of Pleistocene, or Ice Age, fossils ever found at one location.

Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling, create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a firefighter.

Mann's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
323-464-8111
You will have to attend a theatre production in order to view the interior trappings of the former "Grauman's Chinese," a fantasy of Chinese pagodas and temples, but the courtyard is open for browsing.

Museum of Contemporary Art at California Plaza
250 S. Grand Ave
213-626-6222
The permanent collection of MOCA is split between Geffen Contemporary and the galleries at this site, a red sandstone building designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.

Museum of Tolerance
9786 W. Pico Blvd
310-553-8403
Using state-of-the-art interactive technology, this museum challenges visitors to confront bigotry and racism. One of the most affecting sections covers the Holocaust, with actual film footage of deportation scenes and simulated sets of concentration camps.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
213-763-3466
The more than 3.5 million specimens at this superb museum in Exposition Park include a rich collection of prehistoric fossils; extensive bird, insect, and marine-life displays; an elaborate taxidermy exhibit; pre-Columbian artifacts; and crafts from the South Pacific.

Olvera Street
622 N. Main St. Sepulveda House
213-628-1274
Lively, one-block Olvera Street tantalizes with tile walkways, piñatas, mariachis, and authentic Mexican food. Restored as an open-air Mexican market in 1930, the street is the symbol of the city's beginnings when the original settlers built earthen and willow huts near the river. Vendors sell puppets, tooled leather goods, sandals, serapes, and other items from little stalls that line the center of the narrow street.

Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier
310-260-8747
The 12 rides at Santa Monica Pier's 2-acre amusement facility include a roller coaster, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying submarine, and the Rock and Roll, a spinning experience with a light show and rousing music.

Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. And the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement facilities are all part of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard below Palisades Park.

FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS

California Museum of Science and Industry
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90037
213-744-7400
Contemporary science and technology museum features exhibits on aerospace, science, earthquakes, mathematics, energy, health and economics. IMAX Theater.

California Science Center
700 State Dr., Exposition Park
213-744-7400
Exhibits focus around the science that we encounter in our to everyday life. Tess, the animatronic star of "BodyWorks," demonstrates how the body's organs work together to maintain balance. The Imax Theater, with 3-D capabilities and a seven-story movie screen, shows science-related films.

Kidspace
390 S. El Molino Ave
626-449-9143
This children's museum is housed in the gymnasium of an elementary school. There are plenty activities for the children to get involved with. Children can direct a television or radio station; dress up in the real uniforms of a firefighter, astronaut, or football player; or play in tunnels for exploring insect life.

La Brea Tar Pits
In the early 20th century, geologists discovered that the sticky tar found in these pits contained the largest collection of Pleistocene, or Ice Age, fossils ever found at one location.

Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling, create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a firefighter.

Olvera Street
622 N. Main St. Sepulveda House
213-628-1274
Lively, one-block Olvera Street tantalizes with tile walkways, piñatas, mariachis, and authentic Mexican food. Restored as an open-air Mexican market in 1930, the street is the symbol of the city's beginnings when the original settlers built earthen and willow huts near the river. Vendors sell puppets, tooled leather goods, sandals, serapes, and other items from little stalls that line the center of the narrow street.

Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier 310-260-8747
The 12 rides at Santa Monica Pier's 2-acre amusement facility include a roller coaster, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying submarine, and the Rock and Roll, a spinning experience with a light show and rousing music.

Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. And the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement facilities are all part of this truncated.