Whitaker Jazz Speaks Performance & Lecture Series
The Whitaker Jazz Speaks Performance & Lecture Series gives jazz music a voice through which to share stories, draw connections, and generate new meaning for this treasured American art form. Curated for the audience to experience relevant social, historical, and cultural topics through the lens of jazz, each program includes a deep dive into a historical or social aspect of jazz in various mediums led by a subject expert and includes a live-music performance. Tickets are of no cost to you but registration is required.
Whitaker Jazz Speaks events are open to the public with gratitude to Whitaker Foundation for their ongoing support.
Call and Response: “The Sound of Collaboration, The Tie that Binds”
February 5, 2025
Explore the deep connections between gospel music and jazz in this insightful event featuring a performance and lecture by renowned musician, producer, and composer Shedrick Mitchell. Celebrating the rich musical traditions of Black American Music, this event highlights how gospel music has influenced legendary jazz artists. From Louis Armstrong’s performances of spirituals to Duke Ellington’s compositions, the ties between gospel and jazz run deep. We’ll dive into their shared characteristics, focusing on the blues as a unifying element. Musical selections from icons like Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong, and John Coltrane will demonstrate the powerful fusion of gospel and jazz. Join us in celebrating the creative spirit of these intertwined traditions and their transformative impact on the world of music.
Indian Blues
April 29, 2025
Uncover the hidden history of the significant influence of Native Americans on the development of blues music in America. In this illuminating event, John Troutman, a renowned music historian and Smithsonian Curator of Music, will share insights from his groundbreaking research from his book “Indian Blues.” By exploring the intersections of Native American culture and the evolution of the blues, this talk reveals an untold chapter of American musical history. Celebrate the profound contributions of Native American communities to the blues while engaging in meaningful conversations about cultural diversity, identity, and the universal power of music. Join us for an enriching exploration of the diverse roots that have shaped America’s musical heritage.