Monday, April 2, 2007
Students curious about the debate over modern musical movements had the opportunity to learn more during the KU Interdisciplinary Jazz Studies Colloquium last weekend.
Events kicked off on Friday morning with a lecture by Kevin Whitehead, a former jazz critic for National Public Radio and lecturer at the University.
The theme of the weekend was the avant-garde, a term assigned to cutting-edge artists and their work.
Whitehead had studied the genre extensively and cited an article he wrote for Voice magazine in 1995, titled “Death to the Avant-Garde.”
“The term can either be a badge of honor or an insult,” Whitehead said.
The early morning lecture gathered a small crowd of about 20, most of whom were other faculty members. Chuck Berg, professor of theatre and film, said he was happy with the turnout.
“For a jazz audience this early in the morning, I’d say we’re off to a good start,” Berg said.
pullquote
For a jazz audience this early in the morning, I’d say we’re off to a good start.
-Chuck Berg, professor of theatre and film
Whitehead shifted genres from NPR critic to KU faculty three years ago. He moved from New York City to Holland to Kansas, pursuing music studies at each location.
Fred Ho, composer, performer, author, activist and founder of the Afro-Asian Ensemble, performed Friday afternoon playing solo baritone saxophone. He also delivered a lecture.
Whitehead said he was not convinced that there is a true avant-garde today. Ho disagreed.
“I think music will always go forward,” Ho said. “I think most of jazz has been avant-garde. There’s always been a quest to explore the parameters of American society.”
More than 10 different speakers and artists took part in the production of the colloquium.
Kansan staff writer Bethany Bunch can be contacted at bbunch@kansan.com.
— Edited by Mark Vierthaler
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