The streets of New York City were alive with music this morning when jazz trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis led a swinging group of musicians down Broadway, on their way to the new Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Those in the New Orleans-style parade, as well as citizens of Manhattan and tourists belted out "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Office workers clapped from open windows. Some even started to jitterbug on the street as the musicians paraded from Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza to the new Jazz at Lincoln Center marquee located on Broadway at 60th Street.

At 11 am, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, accompanied by Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin, joined Mr. Marsalis at the new Frederick P. Rose Hall for an official dedication ceremony, which included a fanfare entitled The Gift.

The Gift was written by renowned trombonist Locksley Wellington "Slide" Hampton. The morning celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Lincoln Center.

"I just had to be here for this," said Igor Butman, a sax player from Moscow. "This is the first real jazz center in the world."

It was an event that Kiyoshi Koyama, a jazz music writer from Tokyo, didn't want to miss either.

"This is one of the major events in the history of jazz," Koyama said.

Marsalis, JALC'S artistic director who is also celebrating his 43rd birthday today, said jazz giants such as Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie would be proud of the new center.

"They would probably start crying," said Marsalis, the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music.

"They gave a lot and fought hard to earn the recognition for jazz in our culture. We respect them and honor them with this center."

Following the dedication this morning, Jazz at Lincoln Center will continue the celebration tonight at a formal gala opening.

Click here for the complete story regarding this historic day:

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and singin' in the streets living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King