Sunday, January 14, 2018

A Brief HERstory of Jazz: The Singers at The Jung Center of Houston, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

Tianna Hall (Photo by Pin Lim)

On Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at The Jung Center of Houston, I will present a lecture with live music by jazz singer Tianna Hall. The lecture, titled A Brief HERstory of Jazz: The Singers. Here is the description of the event from The Jung Center of Houston website:

From Bessie Smith, to Billie Holiday, to Dee Dee Bridgewater, jazz singers have not only shaped the development of the music, but provided a “voice” for the expression of profound joy, righteous anger, and deep sorrow. In this dynamic lecture by writer and composer Chris Becker, with live music performed by Houston jazz singer Tianna Hall, we will consider what defines “jazz” singing, and explore the history and recorded legacy of several iconic female vocalists, including Holiday, one of the most influential singers of the 20th century, who made a career for herself against incredible odds, and Ella Fitzgerald, who singer Jane Monheit describes as “one of the true originators of the art form.”

This presentation is designed for both casual and seasoned jazz fans.

The cost is $20 / $15 for Jung Center members. You can register in advance by phone (713- 524-8253) or online.