From Africa to Jazz!

From Africa to Jazz!

From Africa To Jazz is a collaboration on the part of the Black Archives of Mid America in Kansas City, the Traditional Music Society and the Kansas Metropolitan Dance Theatre. This presentation is an educational and entertaining endeavor, tracing the roots of African American music and dance from west Africa to the Americas.

It will explore the origins of many inherent musical elements, such as rhythmic and melodic syncopation, polyrhythms, improvisation and the blue note. In dance it will trace the African origins of jazz and vernacular, swing and lindy hop. The history of these aspects will be offered through interactive workshops and staged performances, featuring jazz saxophonist Gerald Dunn, jazz vocalist Lesa Henry, and the Soundz of Africa dance ensemble. A must see presentation!