FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 5/15/09
Morgan Arts Council -- Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

press contact only: Mary Hott -- 304-258-2300

BIG BAND JAZZ IN BLACK WEST VIRGINIA IS
LECTURE TOPIC IN BERKELEY SPRINGS

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- Dr. Chris Wilkinson of West Virginia
University delivers a musical lecture at the Ice House in Berkeley
Springs on Saturday, May 23 at 3pm. Wilkinson's presentation
introduces the era of big band jazz music in West Virginia from
1930-42. Along with rare information about the extent and popularity
of black dance bands in the 1930s, Wilkinson presents recordings of
the music.

"The recordings were made either just before or just after the
particular band performed in the state," says Wilkinson. "That means
we're hearing not only the music of the times but almost certainly the
very music that the West Virginia audiences were hearing."
Wilkinson's lecture also offers insights as to why 1930s West Virginia
was economically popular with these black dance bands. "Live dances,
radio and newspapers linked the black population of the state's
southern coalfields with the national cultural life represented by the
big band dance music," he says.

Chris Wilkinson is a popular commentator on West Virginia Public Radio
often playing old recordings and telling stories about the music. He
is pleased to be part of the Morgan Arts Council's (MAC) year of Back
To Our Roots. "The amazing diversity of American roots music is a
true reflection of the diversity of our country's population," says
Wilkinson. "While most people are familiar with the banjo and fiddle
music of West Virginia, this big band music helps us experience the
diversity of our state's culture."

A native of Chicago, Dr. Wilkinson is Professor of Music History at
West Virginia University where he has been a member of the faculty
since 1976. He has published both books and papers on the topic of
jazz.

This lecture is supported in part by the West Virginia Division of
Culture and History, National Endowment for the Arts and local hotel/
motel tax. For more information about upcoming Back To Our Roots
events at the Ice House and elsewhere, check online at www.macicehouse.org
or call 304-258-2300.