TITLE: Crossover Pioneer and Godmother of Rock-n-Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Chambers Auditorium, MU Student Center
PRESENTER: Dr. Michael Budds, Professor of Musicology, MU School of Music
DESCRIPTION: In this multi-media presentation, musicologist Dr. Michael Budds lectures on the life and music of Rock-n-Roll pioneer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The Arkansas native, armed with an electric guitar and soulful voice, left her distinctive mark on gospel, blues, rock-n-roll, and jazz and had been mentioned as an influence by iconic American musicians such as Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan. In this presentation, Dr. Budds presents Tharpe in all her glory, and reminds music lovers of her deep impact on American music.
TITLE: Student Experience Panel Discussion
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12:00 – 1:0 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade
FACILITATORS: Noor Azizan-Gardner of the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and Nathan Stephens of the MU Black Culture Center
DESCRIPTION: A facilitated discussion about the library experience of African-American undergrads. The students will discuss their childhood associations (both cultural and educational) with public and school libraries through their experiences in and with the MU Libraries.
TITLE: Four Women: A Conversation about Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Camilla Williams, and Mary J. Blige.
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade
PRESENTER: Dr. Maya Gibson, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music; Dr. Treva Lindsey, Assistant Professor, MU Women and Gender Studies, and Dr .Stephanie Shonekan, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music
DESCRIPTION: Nina Simone’s iconic 1966 song “Four Women” brilliantly highlights the roles that have defined (and confined) black women in the United States. Simone herself was an artist that broke through the boundaries of these stereotypes to create her own way, to define her own terms, and to ultimately establish herself as a distinctive voice in American music and culture. Reflecting on this legacy, three scholars discuss the lives and work of three black female musicians: jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, opera diva Camilla Williams, and queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige. The discussion will explore the contributions of these artists on the history of American music and culture.