American-Jewish Music & African-American Music: Bridges of Song, presented by Robert Cohen In-Person
"America is not made up of separate, free-floating cultures but, rather, of a constant interplay and exchange.”
- Ralph Ellison
American-Jewish composers have incorporated African & African American musical idioms — blues, jazz, and ragtime; reggae & world music; even gospel & rap — to express the exuberance & vitality of contemporary Jewish life, meanwhile creating much of America’s most celebrated popular music. At the same time, Jewish musical themes have spoken to Africans and African Americans alike, who have enriched them musically and enhanced their message. We’ll listen in on the ongoing musical conversation between Blacks & Jews.
No registration required. First come first seated.
Robert Cohen has taught Jewish music and American folk & popular music for over a quarter-century, including at the Fifth Avenue New York Public Library, the New School, and the 92nd St. Y in New York, the Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum in Philadelphia, the New England Conservatory of Music & Boston College’s Center for Christian-Jewish Learning, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Cantors Assembly. He wrote the NPR documentary “One People, Many Voices: American-Jewish Music Comes of Age” and produced the compilation CD Open the Gates! New American-Jewish Music for Prayer.