Pembroke Pines FL — To celebrate America’s musical gift to the world, the U.S. Postal Service issued the Jazz Appreciation Forever stamp during a ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, LA.
Inspired by vintage jazz record-album covers, Pasadena, CA, artist Paul Rogers captured the eclectic nature of jazz music and the spontaneity and improvisation of jazz artists in creating the art for the stamp.
“With this evocative Jazz Appreciation stamp, we celebrate the music and the musicians who play it in studios, clubs and concert halls and on festival stages,” said Thurgood Marshall Jr., Vice Chairman, Board of Governors. “I can’t think of a more perfect place to dedicate this new stamp than here in New Orleans, the birthplace of so many legendary jazz performers and the place where jazz first flowered near the dawn of the 20th Century.”
Marshall added jazz is a pastime that brings people together, regardless of race, ethnicity or background.
“It’s a lot like the Postal Service, which has been bringing people together for more than 235 years, through the power of the mail,” he said.
Joining Marshall and Rogers at the dedication ceremony were Guy Cottrell, Chief Postal Inspector; Nancy Marinovic, President, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation; Shamarr Allen, leader of the funk band Underdawgs; and the Postal Service’s Louisiana District Manager Jeffery Taylor.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the First-Day-Of-Issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office, at the Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to: Jazz Stamp, Postmaster, PO Box 50336, New Orleans, LA 70150-0336.
After applying the First-Day-Of-Issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 26, 2011.
How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers First-Day covers for new stamp issues and USPS stationery items postmarked with the official First-Day-Of-Issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to: Information Fulfillment, Dept. 6270, U.S. Postal Service, PO Box 219014, Kansas City, MO 64121-9014.
Philatelic Products
There are four philatelic products available for this stamp issue:
- 466661, First-Day Cover, $.82
- 466665, Digital Color Postmark, $1.50
- 466691, Ceremony Program, $6.95
- 466699, Keepsake Pane and Digital Color Postmark, $10.95
To learn more about the Postal Service’s Stamp Program, visit http://beyondtheperf.com.
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