Dr. Randy Weston and Willard Jenkins Celebrate African Rhythms at the University of the District of Columbia’s JAZZforum Series

NEA Jazz Master Dr. Randy Weston and independent arts consultant/producer and journalist Willard Jenkins discuss African Rhythms: The Autobiography of Randy Weston. (Composed by Randy Weston, Arranged by Willard Jenkins: Duke University Press, 2010).

Washington, DC (I-Newswire) April 5, 2011 - The University of the District of Columbia welcomes National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, Dr. Randy Weston and independent arts consultant/producer and journalist Willard Jenkins to the JAZZforum series for a special appearance on Thursday April 7, 2011 at 7 pm to discuss African Rhythms: The Autobiography of Randy Weston. (Composed by Randy Weston, Arranged by Willard Jenkins: Duke University Press, 2010).

Randy Weston’s 85th birthday anniversary is in April 2011 and JAZZforum is delighted to be part of the celebration for this internationally renowned pianist, composer, bandleader and ambassador whose career has spanned over six decades and several continents. Randy Weston is a monumental figure in jazz who has spent most of his career combining the rich music of the African continent with the African American tradition of jazz. African Rhythms is Weston’s life story as told by him to journalist and biographer Willard Jenkins. He reveals his spiritual journey in a fascinating narrative that reflects the warmth, wisdom and humor of a true master.

The JAZZforum series is the research and outreach initiative of the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives. These regular events feature lively presentations on diverse aspects of jazz from authors, musicians, educators, and a wide range of scholars. Presentations are held in UDC’s state-of-the-art Recital Hall and are recorded for broadcast on UDC-TV and for later access on the website of the Jazz Archives.
All JAZZforum events are free and open to the public. The UDC Recital Hall is located in Building 46-West on the UDC campus at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. The campus is easily accessible on Metro’s Red Line, Van Ness/UDC station.

For more information call (202) 274-5803 or email JazzAlive@udc.edu.