The Malta Branch of the International Al Jolson Society is organising a number of activities in October related to the late, great American artist who, in his heyday, was known as the world’s greatest entertainer.

Apart form his extensive musical repertoire, Jolson is best remembered as the star in 1927 movie The Jazz Singer, which was also the first nationally distributed feature film to include synchronised sound dialogue sequences, music and sound effects.

To celebrate the 85th anniversary from the making of The Jazz Singer, which premiered in New York on October 6, 1927, the Jolson Society is holding an exhibition about the movie in the foyer of the Cinema Complex in Żabbar Road, Fgura. The exhibition will feature related pictures and information and will run for a week starting on Wednesday.

The Jolson Society will also hold its annual gathering on October 21 at the Royal British Legion, 111, Melita Street, Valletta. It starts at 4.45pm and will feature documentaries and other footage about Jolson.

Entrance is free for both events.

A Mass dedicated to Jolson will also be held on October 23 at 10am at St Francis church in Republic Street, Valletta, while on Remembrance Day, the society will take part in a commemorative ceremony to mark Jolson’s role in entertaining the US and Allied forces during both World Wars.

For more information call 2189 6936 or 9988 0489 or e-mail vinvilljolsonmalta@gmail.com.