DeKalb and Sycamore public libraries will host a virtual event, “Galen Abdur-Razzaq on Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16.
Abdur-Razzaq will kick off this virtual event with a prelude on his flute. From there, this presentation chronicles the music from the turn of the century to present day and highlights various artists, their music, their influence on the evolution of jazz, and their struggles.
Abdur-Razzaq illustrates how jazz became an advocacy for the Civil Rights Movement, with proceeds from jazz concerts used to finance major events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963. The lecture is infused with music demonstrations.
Abdur-Razzaq is an extraordinary flautist with an extensive performance career. He is a riveting speaker on the topic of jazz and has performed at colleges and universities for more than 30 years. A former educator, he holds a master’s degree from Rutgers University, in education and performing arts, and studied music at Berklee School of Music in Boston.
This virtual event is free and open to all. Register for this event at dkpl.org.
For more information or help with registration, contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.