Jazz and Race in Russia

Thursday, February 11, 4:00 PM (3:45 for light refreshments)

206 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive

A lecture-performance: “Jazz and Race in Russia: An Interactive Performance-Presentation”

Sharon Clark, Singer and Yoshiko Herrera, Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“An engaging event combining live musical performance with discussion of social science research topics, in this case race and jazz in Russia. In contrast to research indicating that xenophobia and anti-American sentiment is on the rise in Russia, many African-American musicians travel to Russia and report that they are well-received. We investigate how African-American music and musical artists are treated and received in Russia. In our interactive presentation we will engage audience members with both a lecture, performances and discussion of these topics. Research on this topic will provide insight into contemporary Russian society, Russian-American relations, as well as document an understudied and fascinating aspect of the African-American experience.”