A Living History Event with Billy Taylor

Dr. Bert Konowitz and Jazz Giant, educator, composer, writer and TV personality, Dr. Billy Taylor in a conversation and performance focusing on the process, styles, repertoire and personalities that comprise the legend of Billy Taylor. Dr. Taylor will perform and discuss musical examples from his vast music collection and memorabilia housed in the Library of Congress Jazz Division, Washington, D.C. Dr. Taylor, the Kennedy Center's Artistic Director of Jazz and a recipient of the National Arts Medal of Honor, will join others in exploring his historic contributions to Jazz Education in America.

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Dr. Bert Konowitz and Jazz Giant, educator, composer, writer and TV personality, Dr. Billy Taylor in a conversation and performance focusing on the process, styles, repertoire and personalities that comprise the legend of Billy Taylor. Dr. Taylor will perform and discuss musical examples from his vast music collection and memorabilia housed in the Library of Congress Jazz Division, Washington, D.C. Dr. Taylor, the Kennedy Center's Artistic Director of Jazz and a recipient of the National Arts Medal of Honor, will join others in exploring his historic contributions to Jazz Education in America.

Dr. Taylor will demonstrate his approach to improv and detail the stylistic impact of his close associations with jazz greats Art Tatum, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Charlie Mingus, Gerry Mulligan and many others. He will explore the future of Jazz as he performs and interacts with “Tomorrow's Jazz Giants”, including ASCAP Foundation award-winning saxophonist Grace Kelly and other outstanding young artists.

A distinguished panel will join Dr. Taylor in exploring “Retrieving the Jazz Audience”. Participants will be invited to join in the preparation and presentation of the final “Billy Taylor Lives” concert, featuring SPIRIT, the TC Music Improv Ensemble and guest artists. All participants are invited to join Dr. Taylor in a reception honoring his contributions as “America's Ambassador of Jazz”.

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