Discover the Birthplace of Blues and Jazz

Chicago is known as one of the birthplaces of blues and jazz and Jan Kostner, Deputy Director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, can help your listeners learn about all the state can offer them this summer and beyond. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), cultural travel ranks among the top activities of African-American travelers and Illinois has plenty of that to offer. From Chicagos DuSable Museum of African-American History, the oldest museum of its kind in the country, to the Underground Railroad Project Underway; Illinois has something for even the most discerning traveler. Illinois boasts of a vast array of options for travelers from arts and culture to nightlife, shopping and more. Whether its the big-city vibe of Chicago or down home cities such as Springfield , Peoria or Rockford , the vacation choices are endless. Some interesting events and attractions for the hot summer in Illinois : Ģ The Bronzeville Visitor Information Center- the gateway to the historic Chicago neighborhood known as the Black Metropolis and one of the birthplaces of blues and jazz Ģ The hidden gems of Chicago – the citys beaches. Oak Street Beach is home to the citys famed Magnificent Mile. For more information, visit http://soulofillinois.com About Jan Kostner: As deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism (IBOT), Jan V. Kostner spearheads the states tourism industry marketing and development efforts, contributing to sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents. She has implemented a wide array of successful state tourism initiatives since her appointment in March 2003, including heading the communications effort for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum opening in April 2005. Prior to joining IBOT, Kostner was a senior vice president for Chicago-based public affairs and strategic communications firm Jasculca/Terman. She holds a bachelors degree in communications from New England College in Henniker , N.H. and resides in Chicago . https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=3394