DAVENPORT, Iowa — The annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival wrapped up Sunday morning, Aug. 7, with a service at the Beiderbecke family's home church. Bix and his family attended First Presbyterian Church in Davenport in the early 1900s.
For the past two decades, the church has held a jazz liturgy once a year to honor Bix and his memory. This morning's service featured the Jimmy Valentine Jazz Band.
"We always look forward to this. We're able to get special music, because yes, jazz is normally not part of our repertoire here, but everyone loves it, and it also encourages visitors to come not only visitors from out of town, but local people," said church elder Linda Meadors.
First Presbyterian Church has dozens of Bix artifacts, including photos and posters that they've preserved.
But they're always looking for more. Anyone with an artifact they'd be willing to donate can contact the church at 563-326-1691.