The Kennedy Center is preparing to start an online book club hosted by its Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran, in early May.
The virtual discussions — scheduled for May 4, August 17, and October 12 — will be examining themes of music, history, culture, and the performing arts through literature.
The three events will respectively focus on Jazz by Toni Morrison, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson, and Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson.
“To understand music is not simply to listen to it, but we must read it, feel the culture around it, and discuss it. Jazz is not confined to concerts and recordings, it is about cultural life through themes and improvisations,” Moran says.
Guest panelists featured in the event series include:
- Grammy-winning NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dianne Reeves
- Jazz saxophonist Mark Turner
- Poet and cultural advocate Elizabeth Alexander
- Hughes-Rogers Professor of African-American studies and author Imani Perry
- National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson
- Singer-songwriter and activist Toshi Reagon
To find further details on the events and register, click here.