Eleventh Annual Bill Russell Lecture: The Musical Legacy of George Lewis

 

Bruce Raeburn, director of the Hogan Jazz Archive at Tulane University, will moderate an evening program examining the life and work of jazz clarinetist George Lewis (1900–1968), with Barry Martyn (drummer, author), Nick Gagliano (LewisÕs former manager), and Tom Sancton (clarinetist).

 

This year marks the 11th anniversary of The CollectionÕs Bill Russell Lecture, which is dedicated to New Orleans jazz and presented in conjunction with French Quarter Fest. The series honors the life and work of noted jazz historian William Russell, born Russell William Wagner (1905–1992). As a jazz historian and collector, Russell focused on traditional New Orleans–style jazz and related musical forms such as brass band, ragtime and gospel music. He amassed an extensive collection of memorabilia, including musical instruments, records, piano rolls, sheet music, photographs, books and periodicals. His collection traces the development of jazz in New Orleans and follows the movement of musicians to New York, Chicago, California and beyond.

 

The William Russell Collection encompasses notes from RussellÕs research, audiotapes, programs, posters, correspondence, films, business cards, notes, clippings and scrapbooks. The William Russell Jazz Collection is part of The Historic New Orleans CollectionÕs permanent holdings. The materials are available to the public at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street.

 

Friday April 9, 2010

Williams Research Center

410 Chartres Street

6:30 p.m.

 

Free and open to the public

Seating is limited; call (504) 523-4662 for reservations

 

Presented in conjunction with the French Quarter Festival