History of Jazz Lecture at Phoenixville Public Library on Thursday, October 7th

On Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm, the Phoenixville Public Library will be presenting WRTI-FM jazz host Jeff Duperon and his presentation of “The History of Jazz: From Early New Orleans to the Modern Era”.

WRTI-FM jazz host Jeff Duperon will present “The History of Jazz: From Early New Orleans to the Modern Era” on Thursday, October 7 at 7:00 PM at Phoenixville Public Library.

The music called jazz was born sometime around 1895 in New Orleans. It combined elements of ragtime, marching band music, and blues. What differentiated jazz from these earlier styles was the widespread use of improvisation, often by more than one player at a time. The spontaneous music created captured a joy and sense of adventure that was an exciting and radical departure from the music of the time. This lecture will explore the origins of jazz and discuss the numerous eras of jazz including swing, big band, be-bop, hard bop, acid jazz (aka soul jazz), and the modern era. The lecture will also include musical sound bites of artists who have contributed to the only original art form created in the United States.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Jeff Duperon graduated from Tulane University. He then moved to Philadelphia and immediately became involved in the local jazz scene. In addition to his radio show, Jeff has developed a jazz studies program that is used to teach fourth and fifth graders at Bluford Elementary School in West Philadelphia.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 610-933-3013, Ext. 32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.