Columbia U. Hosts Major Conference: "New Orleans Rebuilding the Musical City"

Columbia University's Center for Jazz Studies with the Institute for Research in African American Studiescordially invite you to a conference:New Orleans: Rebuilding the Musical City January 26-28, 2006 Columbia University, Broadway + 116th Street

Thursday, January 26 East Room Faculty House 8 pm John Szwed reads from the new book, BLUES FOR NEW ORLEANS, and from his Grammy-nominated program notes on Jelly Roll MortonSelections from the film "All on a Mardi Gras Day""Eye of the Storm" Exhibit Opening Reception, Arthur Ross Gallery, Buell Hall 9pm

Friday, January 27 President's Room Faculty House 8:30 am Continental Breakfast Introductions, Robert O'Meally and Farah Jasmine Griffin New Orleans vocalist Juanita Brooks accompanied by Donald Smith

Panel I: Jazz, Blues, Architecture, City Planning, Geography 10 amGeorge Lewis, Lionel McIntyre, Kenneth Ferdinand, and David P. Brown. These builders and architects will evaluate the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the architectural and musical landscape of the city. How can the principles of jazz inform the rebuilding process?

Panel II: Musical Families and Neighborhoods of New Orleans 1:45 pm Allen Toussaint, Herlin Riley, Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Nick Spitzer, Jason BerryThis panel of musicians and scholars will explore how architectur and geography, have affected the cultural legacy of New Orleans.

Panel III: Jazz, Politics, and Rebuilding New Orleans 3:15 pm
Robert O'Meally, Jacques Morial, Joseph Roach, Chokwe Lumumba, Dr. Michael White. These scholars and activists will consider the city's influence on the national, and international, cultural scene. How can the New Orleans be rebuilt with social justice for all residents?

Keynote Address Low Rotunda 8 pmRev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister, The Riverside ChurchTopic: "The Lake, The Levees, and The Living Dead"(another widely known speaker has also been invited)

Saturday, January 28 President's Room, Faculty House 10 am Wrap-Up and Discussion.

There is limited space for this event, so please RSVP ASAPto 212-851-1633 or noconference@gmail.com . Free of charge. First come, first served.