August 1 | Time: 5-7PM | Location: Hannan Center Black Box Theater – Lower-Level | Cost: $15
Billy Strayhorn — Music & Film “Lush Life”
For this episode we will focus on the vast musical impact of tremendously prolific composer, Billy “Sweet Pea” Strayhorn. We will examine his lifelong musical journey as an indispensable artistic counterweight to Duke Ellington. To supplement the discussion, there will be a showing of the documentary, Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life, which sheds necessary light on the complicated obstacles Strayhorn was forced to navigate as an openly gay Black man, as well as a preeminent musical artist. Live performances of his works will illustrate the profound and long-lasting nature of Strayhorn’s immense musical catalog.
September 12 | Time: 5-7PM | Location: Hannan Center Black Box Theater – Lower – Level | Cost: $15
Quincy Jones — Lecture & Film “The Wiz”
The focus of this episode will be the incomparably influential Quincy Jones. We will discuss his plethora of original compositions and arrangements, as well as the many significant artists and projects he shaped as a vetted musical architect and guide. The lecture will be preceded by a showing of The Wiz, laying the groundwork for our discussion of its soundtrack composer’s expansive artist portfolio.
