Lecture and Concert Focus on Role of Modern Jazz in the Community

Robin D. G. Kelley, Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California and a leading historian of African American culture and politics, will be at Tulane University for two events on Nov. 4 and 5 that explore the theme of modern jazz in the community.

On Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Freeman Auditorium, Kelley will present a lecture about the role of community and neighborhood in shaping the work and lives of jazz musicians. The following evening, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m., he will speak and play piano at a concert in Dixon Hall that honors the music of two progressive jazz musicians: Thelonious Monk and New Orleans" own Harold Battiste, who recently published his autobiography Unfinished Blues. Some of the most highly regarded modern jazz musicians in the city will perform alongside Kelley and Battiste, including Nicholas Payton, Herlin Riley, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wessell Anderson and Jesse McBride.

Both events are free and open to the public.

Kelley"s most recent publication is the award-winning Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original. Simon and Schuster has decided to launch the paperback edition in New Orleans during Kelley"s visit. The book will be available at the concert, along with Harold Battiste"s autobiography published this year by the Historic New Orleans Collection.