Music and Modern African American Culture

In Collaboration with the Carolina Performing Arts performance of The Count Basie Orchestra, Diane Schuur and New York Voices

February 20, 2016

So much more than mere entertainment, African American music has served communicative, religious, political, and cultural functions and has evolved into the distinct and creative sounds of blues, ragtime, jazz, soul, rap, and hip-hop. This seminar will explore the various ways African American music has influenced the political and social landscape of the United States, while always remaining a means of African American creative and cultural expression. William Sturkey will explore the connections between race, popular music, and audienceship, while Seth Kotch will consider how radio stations founded by African Americans in the South used a combination of music and talk to extend, multiply, and complicate the gains of the Civil Rights Movement. Michael Figueroa will examine how notions of race, politics, and agency connect within narratives of the African American musical past, such as considering the stakes of teaching “black genius” in the university classroom during an era of racial strife. Our scholars will then bring their unique perspectives into conversation, exploring the wide-reaching effects African American music has had on American popular culture. Following the seminar, participants may opt to attend The Count Basie Orchestra with Diane Schuur and New York Voices presented by Carolina Performing Arts at 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening, and hear the sounds of swing and jazz with renewed appreciation and understanding.

Topics & Speakers

Jubilee: Music, Race, and American Audiences in the Early Twentieth Century
William Sturkey, Assistant Professor of History

Black “Genius” and Modern Music History: Politics, Pitfalls, and Pedagogy
Michael Figueroa, Assistant Professor of Music

African American Radio and the Unfinished Civil Rights Movement
Seth Kotch, Assistant Professor of American Studies

How has Jazz and African American Music Influenced American Culture?
A panel discussion with our speakers

Time & Cost

11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2016. The tuition is $125 ($110 by February 2). Tuition for teachers is $62.50 ($55 by February 2). Teachers can also receive a $75 stipend after attending (click here for more information) and 10 contact hours for 1 unit of renewal credit. The optional lunch is $15.00.

Exclusive Ticket Offer: Discounted tickets are available for the performance on Saturday, February 20 at 8:00 p.m. Ask how you can purchase them when you register for this seminar.

For information about lodging click here.

Co-Sponsored by the General Alumni Association.

For information about GAA discounts and other scholarships available to Humanities Program participants, click here.

Register for this seminar.