Oklahoma City University opens its 2014-15 Distinguished Artists Series with a performance by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band Thursday, September 25.
Straight out of 726 St. Peter Street in the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall's eight-man house band plays New Orleans-style jazz. In fact, Allan and Sandra Jaffe founded the venue in 1961 to “protect, preserve and perpetuate one of America’s truest art forms - traditional New Orleans Jazz,” according to the group’s website.
In the beginning Preservation Hall served as home-base for artists like George Lewis and Punch Miller, who lead a revival of the dying music genre within the New Orleans community. Today, the site holds more than 350 concerts per year and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has become the world’s preeminent witness to the brassy New Orleans tradition.
“When you observe a jazz funeral in New Orleans, when it’s something you grow up with, you understand that the music has a purpose” Ben Jaffe told The Oklahoman’s Brandy McDonnell.
“It’s a celebration of life...That’s the reason why we make so many sacrifices in our own personal lives to travel as much as we do and to bring the music, our music, to so many communities all over the world.”
Jaffe currently operates as the group’s second generation bandleader and tuba player, positions he inherited from his father and Preservation Hall founder Allan Jaffe.
The performance begins at 8 p.m. Thursday evening and tickets cost $25.
All six concerts for OCU’s 2014-15 Distinguished Artists Series take place in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music’s Petree Recital Hall.
The Oklahoma Historical Society partners with Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre (CityRep) and Oklahoma City University to present OHS’s annual membership appreciation event ‘Music of the Dust Bowl’ Tuesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.
The three-part concert features Monica Taylor playing southern gospel music from the 1930s and 1940s, Dr. Harold Aldridge performing dust bowl blues and the Shelby Eicher Band playing the music of late western-singer Bob Wills.
The CityRep and OCU stage production teams present dramatized readings of John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath in between the musical sets to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the book’s publication.
The ‘Music of the Dust Bowl’ takes place at the Oklahoma History Center. The event is free for OHS members. Non-members may purchase a membership by calling (405) 522.5202 to receive two reservations.
Kamp's 1910 Cafe in Oklahoma City hosts the next Oklahoma Watch-Out: A 'Neu' Approach Tuesday, September 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
After unanimous election by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board Members, new OKCPS Superintendent Rob Neu started his position in the district on July 1.
Neu and Associate Superintendent Aurora Lora address anticipated changes and their greatest concerns. Also, Neu explains his ‘Neu-Move’ 100-day transition plan that examines the school district’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Oklahoma Watch-Out forum is open to the public.
And Norman's annual Groovefest takes place Sunday, September 28.
This year's festival features performances by 10 different bands including Kyle Reid and the Low Swinging Chariots and the Tequila Songbirds. The festival also features food and art by local vendors.
Artists, musicians, and activists founded Groovefest in 1986 to raise human rights awareness.
Andrews Park on West Daws Street hosts Groovefest from noon to 9 p.m.
For more ways to fill the 168 hours of your week, visit KGOU'sevent listings page.
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