A new exhibit inspired by the latest Pixar film has opened at Epcot as part of Walt Disney World’s Black History Month celebration, and we’ve got an in-depth look at priceless musical artifacts on display in “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.”
The American Adventure rotunda, in additional to serving as a lobby for animatronic attraction, has long had an exhibit space to the right of its main entrance, which is currently devoted to Native American cultures. Now, the opposite side of the lobby has been transformed into a small gallery with the addition of several display cases and informational posters.
The Soul of Jazz, which debuted on February 1 as part of Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully experiences, takes its cue from the recent Pixar film Soul in exploring the roots and wider impact of “Black improvisational music.”
A variety of jazz sub-genres, each identified by its originating city and influential practitioners, is explored on the wall displays, which replaced patriotic concept paintings.
The exhibit’s centerpiece are a handful of authentic artifacts that were once used by iconic performers.
As a trumpet player, I was thrilled to see Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s horn and “Bix” Biderbecke’s coronet.
Percussionists will be equally awestruck by this pair of drumsticks used by Gene Krupa.
Along with the musical instruments, there are reproductions of rare pieces of sheet music, including one handwritten manuscript by Jelly Roll Morton.
For guests interested in exploring The Soul of Jazz even further, a trivia game will be available inside the Play Disney smartphone app.
This exhibit will remain on display beyond the end of February. If you can’t make to Epcot in person, explore “The Soul of Jazz” with our video of the exhibit’s highlights:
For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, or to plan your family’s trip to Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
