The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival is a jazz festival dedicated to the music of Bix Beiderbecke. It is a four day festival held simultaneously in four different venues in Davenport, Iowa. The main venue is LeClaire Park on the Mississippi River. It is held on Thursday through Sunday, usually in a week in late July or early August. Bix Beiderbecke (March 10, 1903 – August 6, 1931) was a notable jazz cornet player. ... Davenport is a city in the American state of Iowa that borders the Mississippi River. ... The Mississippi River, derived from the old Ojibwe word misi-ziibi meaning great river (gichi-ziibi big river at its headwaters), is the second-longest named river in North America, with a length of 2320 miles (3733 km) from Lake Itasca to Gulf of Mexico. ...

The festival got its start in 1971 when Bill Donahue's Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Band of New Jersey traveled to Davenport, Iowa to play music at Bix's grave at the 40th anniversary of his death. People in the nearby neighborhood heard the music and a crowd slowly began to form. The people of Davenport saw an opportunity to turn this gathering into an annual event. The first "official" festival was held the following year. 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... William J. Bill Donahue, born on December 14, 1945, is a retired Lieutenant General for the United States Air Force who transformed networks and communications during a long, distinguished career of service. ... Official language(s) None, English de facto Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Area  Ranked 47th  - Total 8,729 sq mi (22,608 km²)  - Width 70 miles (110 km)  - Length 150 miles (240 km)  - % water 14. ... Davenport is a city in the American state of Iowa that borders the Mississippi River. ...

The Bix 7 foot race is held every year during the festival. Brady Street hill during the Bix 7 in 1998 The Bix 7 foot race is an annual 7 mile race held in Davenport, Iowa. ...

External links

• Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society
• Bix Fest Band Schedule