Lifelong Learning Niagara Spring Lecture Series: Jazz – Music of the People

Lifelong Learning Niagara is a third age learning organization providing learning programs and experiences for adults 50+ living in the Niagara region.

Presenter: Heather Bambrick, Award-winning Vocalist, Voice Actor, Broadcaster and Educator

From its roots in African American tribal music and spirituals, to influences from Gospel, the Blues, and even Hip Hop, Jazz is considered by many to be the only true (North) American musical art-form. Its development has drawn parallels between the Jazz idiomatic songbook and several societal changes – from the Civil Rights Movement right up to the death of Trayvon Martin.

Whether it’s Nina Simone’s “Young, Gifted, and Black”, Charles Mingus’ “Good-bye Pork Pie Hat”, or Robert Glasper’s “Black Radio 2”, Jazz artists have used their music to reflect upon and comment on the world around them.

This discussion will look at some of the connections between Jazz and the ever-changing societal connections of the Twenty-First Century.

This event is hosted by Lifelong Learning Niagara.