1:30 pm Central Presbyterian Church (7308 York Road @ Stevenson Lane in Towson) and Zoom

Jazz: America’s Great Indigenous Art Form (lecture 1 of 2)

Anna Harwell Celenza, PhD, professor, writing seminars, Johns Hopkins University and professor, musicology, Peabody Institute

Jazz is a genre broad in scope that crosses lines of race, class, geography, politics, religion, and genre. This two-part lecture series explores the origins and proliferation of jazz, from its beginnings in New Orleans, Chicago, New York, and Kansas City to its most recent appearances in Europe and Asia. Key to the history of jazz is its connection to recorded sound. Jazz was the first musical genre shaped by modern sound technology — the first world-wide music phenomenon.

Exploring the various facets and histories of jazz is the central goal of this lecture series. Each session will focus on understanding the shifting meanings of the music as it moves through various cultural/political contexts. Together, we will listen to a range of recordings — all with the goal of discovering what makes jazz so vital to America’s multi-faceted identity. Designed for jazz fans and newcomers alike, this two-part lecture series demonstrates how jazz has never stopped changing. From the Blues and Dixieland to Swing, BeBop, Cool Jazz, and Fusion, jazz offers something for everyone. 

$15 fee for guests and subscribers 



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