Watch the recording of “The multicultural roots of American music”

Review the slides from the presentation here.

In this talk, Dr. Kevin Wright will discuss the multicultural roots of American music with a particular focus on three musical instruments (the banjo, guitar, and steel guitar) that had large impact on many genres of American music, including blues, country, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, and rock music. Dr. Wright will discuss the multicultural origins and history of these instruments and the impact they have made on shaping American music as well as demonstrate each instrument. This will include a discussion of multicultural influences (e.g., African, Hawaiian, European) on innovations and features of the modern banjo, guitar, and steel guitar as well as well as how these instruments shaped multiple American musical genres. Dr. Wright brings both an academic perspective on these topics as well as his experience as a professional musician for over 30 years.

Dr. Wright will bring the pedal steel guitar, the banjo, and a guitar for demonstration purposes.

Please join us! Wednesday, January 26 @ 2-3 p.m. in CA 302 – Refreshments will be served.