Quincy Jones at USC to Celebrate Historic Dizzy Gillespie Tour
USC and Quincy Jones celebrate 50th anniversary of historic tour by Dizzy Gillespie on behalf of U.S. State Department
WHAT: A concert commemorating Dizzy Gillespie’s 1956 diplomatic mission bringing jazz to the world, followed by a conversation on how the tour served as a milestone in the history of this uniquely American art form, the significance of sending a largely black band abroad under the domestic backdrop of segregation and the larger role music plays in shaping public diplomacy and reflecting ideals.
WHO: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will participate via taped remarks.
USC Annenberg School of Communication Dean Geoffrey Cowan will lead a discussion with:
-Legendary producer Quincy Jones, who was the tour’s music director.
-Dave Usher, Public Information Officer on the 1956 tour.
-Author and USC public diplomacy professor Nicholas Cull.
-Lalo Schifrin, the legendary Argentinian pianist and composer who was discovered by Gillespie during the visit to Buenos Aires.
-USC Viterbi School of Engineering professor Adam Clayton Powell III, whose father, Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. lobbied the Eisenhower Administration to launch the series.
The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Shelly Berg, professor of jazz studies, will perform classic Gillespie numbers that were played on the tour. The orchestra will feature guest artists and former Gillespie band members Jon Faddis (trumpet) and James Moody (saxophone).
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006
WHERE: Bovard Auditorium, 3551 Trousdale Parkway on the USC University Park Campus.
Enter through Gate 3, Figueroa Street at McCarthy Way. Parking is free for media with valid credentials.
RSVP: Please reply to Orli Belman. Request for individual interviews should be made in advance.
MORE: Jazz, Public Diplomacy and Dizzy Gillespie is the inaugural event of Visions and Voices: The USC Arts & Humanities Initiative – an unprecedented effort by USC Provost C.L. Max Nikias to expose the university’s students to unique and inspiring experiences while challenging them to become world-class citizens who will have a positive impact around the globe.
The event’s other collaborators are the USC Annenberg School for Communication, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, the USC Thornton School of Music and the USC Integrated Media Systems Center.
For more information about the Oct. 12 event and the USC Arts & Humanities Initiative, visit: https://www.usc.edu/dept/pubrel/visionsandvoices/
###
Contact: Orli Beman, USC Media Relations, (213) 740-0252, obelman@usc.edu
