Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) was designated by the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American History in 2001. U.S. Congress passed legislation in 2003 that declared April as Jazz Appreciation Month. JAM is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both an historical and a living treasure. Rob Joyce, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society, talked about SFJB events during JAM. He said the story of America is embedded in the spirit and the rhythms of jazz.