Special Events
Thursday, February 14, 8:00 p.m.
Formed in 1994, Sones de México is a unique ensemble of veteran Mexican folk musicians and educators whose mission is to keep the tradition of Mexican son alive in its many regional forms, true to its roots and old masters, and current and fresh at the same time. Don’t miss this special performance that will focus on the black elements, styles, and forms that have become part of Mexico’s music culture. Visit www.sonesdemexico.com
Pre-Banquet Reception
Friday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.
Keynote Banquet
William R. Ferris, keynote speaker
Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m.
William R. Ferris, a widely recognized leader in Southern studies, African-American music, and folklore, is the Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the senior associate director of its Center for the Study of the American South. He is also adjunct professor in the curriculum on folklore. The former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ferris has conducted thousands of interviews with musicians, written or edited 10 books, including the massive Encyclopedia of Southern Culture (UNC Press, 1989), which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Mule Trader: Ray Lum’s Tales of Horses, Mules and Men (1992), Local Color (1982, 1992), Images of the South: Visits with Eudora Welty and Walker Evans (1978), Mississippi Black Folklore: A Research Bibliography and Discography (1971), and Blues from the Delta (1970, 1978, 1988). He has created 15 documentary films, including Mississippi Blues (1983), which was featured at the Cannes Film Festival. He was the founding director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi, and among his many honors are the Charles Frankel Prize in the Humanities, the American Library Association’s Dartmouth Medal, and the W.C. Handy Blues Award. In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine named him among the Top Ten Professors in the United States.
|
Performance—Sweet Thunder: The Billy Strayhorn Story A musical revue, held in the historic Empire Room, based on the play by Ben Tyler, directed by Paul Carter Harrison, and featuring
|
|
Gospel Brunch, Chicago House of Blues
Sunday, February 17, 12:30 p.m.
The award-winning Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Chicago is a one-of-a-kind live music show and dining experience. Guests enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat southern style buffet that features breakfast favorites plus a host of southern specialties. Every week different gospel groups from around the region perform live on stage. The music is uplifting and energetic and guaranteed to get the crowd standing on its feet! Visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/gospelbrunch.asp.