AARP Collaborates with The August Wilson African American Cultural Center on a Jazz Education Series
Launching during Black History Month, AARP is excited to collaborate with The August Wilson African American Cultural Center for The Vinyl Report. This Vinyl Report is a multi-part series will provide attendees with insights into Jazz albums, featuring some of the many legendary Pittsburgh Jazz innovators of multiple generations and styles.
The series is hosted by local drummer Thomas Wendt. Each session of The Vinyl Report will feature a different artist.
Upcoming dates include:
- February 17, 2022 - Jazz Drummer Beaver Harris For this episode, Beaver Harris’ daughter Verna Vaughn will join to reflect on her relationship with her father, sharing memories of him and his career. She will listen to Archie Shepp's 1975 live album, Montreux One. Shepp was a longtime collaborator of Harris'. Register here: https://aarp.cventevents.com/m7zRkm
- March 17, 2022 - Jazz Guitar Master Jimmy Ponder This episode features Pittsburgh Jazz guitar Master Jimmy Ponder's 1988 recording, JUMP!. Pittsburgh guitar Master Mark Strickland will serve as guest to share memories of Jimmy and how their special friendship has informed his music and approach to life. Register here: https://aarp.cventevents.com/v72YPR
- April 21, 2022 – Godfather of Soul, James Brown For the final episode, we spend some time with The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Pittsburgh bassist, Dwayne Dolphin, is our special guest and, as a member of James Brown's music director Fred Wesley's band, Dwayne offers his insights into why Funk and Jazz are one and the same. Register here: https://aarp.cventevents.com/Zqxgbr
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is dedicated to generating artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the playwright August Wilson’s legacy and celebrate Black culture and the African diaspora.
All are welcome to attend. AARP will email all registrants a link to this event within 24 hours of the event start time.
