January 19, 1995 Contact: Barbara McKenna (408/459-2495)

UCSC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH PERFORMANCES, TALKS, AND AN EXHIBITION ON JAZZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CRUZ, CA--Black History Month will be celebrated at the University of California, Santa Cruz, through a range of performances and talks, an exhibition, and other events. A partial listing of activities planned for the month is provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free.

February 1-28: Exhibition

"Jazzin' Up Our Roots: The True American Art Form." The exhibit highlights the contributions of African Americans to the rich and multifaceted history of jazz, tracing the musical form from its beginnings in the 1920s to its most modern incarnations. A wide array of jazz-related items will be on display, including instruments, photos, books, scores, posters, and quotes from some of jazz's most influential artists. The exhibition is open during regular library hours in the McHenry Library foyer. For library hours, call (408) 459-4000.

February 1: Performance

Poet/playwright/performer Wayne Corbitt describes himself as "a proud African American, homoradical person with AIDS, living on the edge." His performance is presented through HOMOlinguis: Queer Speak, and is cosponsored by UCSC's Women's Studies, Feminist Studies, and Cultural Studies programs; the Women's Center; and Kresge College. 5 to 6:45 p.m. Kresge Town Hall. For more information, call (408) 459-4324.

February 3: Reception

A kick-off reception for Black History Month will feature a keynote talk by David Anthony, an assistant professor of history, who will discuss African Americans and jazz, including the influence that racism has had on the growth of jazz. The celebration will also feature a poetry reading by Cabrillo College professor of English Ekua Omosupe; performances of jazz on the Disklavier, a computer-augmented piano; special recordings of jazz; and a chance to view the exhibit "Jazzin' Up Our Roots" (see February 1). 4 p.m. in the McHenry Library foyer. For more information, call (408)459- 5171.

February 3: Music

Our Boys perform steel-drum music from 5 to 7 p.m. at College Eight, Room 201. For more information, call (408) 459-4279.

February 9: Radio

Deejay Dwight Frey will interview Kahil El'Zabar of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. The group's leader, El'Zabar is the former chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. 2:30 p.m., KZSC 88.1 fm. For more information, call (408) 459-2811.

February 9-12: Theater

The UCSC African American Theater Arts Troupe presents Once in a Wifetime, a modern comedy about a middle-class man's attempt to connect with his African heritage. February 9 and 10, 8 p.m., February 11, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and February 12, 3 p.m., in the Performing Arts Concert Hall. $6.50 general, $3.50 seniors and students with ID, and, Saturday 3 p.m. show only, $1-$10 sliding scale. Sponsored by the Theater Arts Board. For tickets and more information, call (408) 459-2159.

February 10: Performance and panel discussion

The internationally renowned Ethnic Heritage Ensemble performs on campus as a prelude to an evening performance at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. The ensemble, which formed in the mid- 1970s, performs jazz influenced by traditional African, Eurasian, and Balinese music. Noon, McHenry Library foyer.

Following is a panel discussion on the topic of jazz featuring Kahil El'Zabar of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, UCSC assistant professor of history David Anthony, Tim Jackson of the Monterey Jazz Festival, and UCSC associate professor of sociology Herman Gray. 1:30-3 p.m., McHenry Library, third floor near Special Collections. For more information, call (408) 459-5171.

February 23 and 24: Performance

Actor Robin Scott Peters presents a multimedia performance based on the life of Ira Aldridge, one of the first African-American Shakespearean actors. Peters's performance will incorporate slides, music, poetry, and drama. Peters has been acting and directing for the past twenty years. He is currently earning his Ph.D. in UCLA's prestigious Theater, Film, and Television program and recently directed with San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's Midnight Shakespeare program. 8:30 p.m., College Eight Dining Hall. For more information, call (408) 459-4279.

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