James Reese Europe
www.ragpiano.com
www.ragpiano.com
Randy Weston
(Antane Ofiaja)
Sergio A. Mims writes:
The Institute of African American Affairs (IAAA) at New York University and the New York University Department of History
will host a two-evening program celebrating the music of James Reese
Europe and examining the role and depiction of World War I’s 369th
Regiment in popular culture and history.
I'm sure that you and your readers will be interested in this event in New York on November 9th, 2014.
Sergio
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War
I. While President Woodrow Wilson urged the United States to enter the
Great War in order to make the world “safe for democracy,” these
democratic ideals were not evident in American society at large or the
American military, which would remain segregated until the Korean War.
But this state of affairs did not stop “Harlem’s Rattlers,” the African
American combat unit that grew out of the 15th New York National Guard,
from their appeals for a chance to see combat in Europe, where they
eventually fought with the French army in WWI with great distinction.
The following two major public programs were produced to heighten
awareness and understanding of the important yet undervalued role that
military institutions and matters of war and peace have played in the
African American freedom struggle and the quest for equality. Perhaps
no single military organization is more connected to the African
American pursuit of full citizenship individually and collectively than
New York’s own 369th Regiment.
Randy Weston African Rhythms Orchestra celebrates James Reese Europe and the 369th Regiment in concert
Sunday, November 9, 2014
6:00 pm
NYU-Skirball Performing Arts Center
566 LaGuardia Place (corner of LaGuardia Place and Washington Square South) NY, NY 10012
The opening session on Sunday, November 9, 2014, will celebrate the
music of James Reese Europe and feature Randy Weston and his African
Rhythms Orchestra in a tribute to Europe and the 369th Regiment. A
great musician, composer, and band director, Europe played a pivotal
role in the recruitment efforts of the Regiment, served as an officer in
its machine gun company, and is credited with spreading the “jazz germ”
throughout the European continent. There is no doubt that during and
after the war, the band led by Lieutenant Europe and his successors
contributed to the Regiment’s visibility and helped to preserve its
legacy. Moreover, Europe’s musical brilliance served as an inspiration
for generations of musicians to follow, including Mr. Weston whose
music and lived experience make him an invaluable expert and resource on
the African Diaspora. Coauthors Sammons and/or Morrow will briefly
place James Reese Europe in historical context.
Ticket price(s):-Regular $15;
-NYU students, faculty, staff and administrators $10;
-Non-NYU Students $12;
-Seniors $10
For ticket information please call 888-611-8183 or visit online at http://nyuskirball.org/calendar/randyweston
“Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War in Popular Culture and Historical Context” roundtable discussion
Monday, November 10, 2014
5:00 pm
Kimmel Center – NYU
Room – E&L Auditorium, 4th floor
60 Washington Square South, NY, NY 10012
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