It¿s 1924, & George Gershwin has just read an announcement in the newspaper saying that he¿s performing a new concerto in a few weeks. The only problem is, this is news to him! With encouragement from his friends, Gershwin seeks the inspiration to write a piece that will define American music. Gershwin realizes that American music is much like its people -- a great melting pot of sounds, rhythms, & harmonies. This story is infused with the spirit of the roaring twenties -- a time when Tin Pan Alley was exploding with musical talent & art deco was all the rage. Includes a CD recording of Gershwin¿s ¿Rhapsody in Blue, performed by Gershwin (1925 piano roll) & the Columbia Jazz Band, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Color illus.