Jews 'N Jazz

Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Irving Berlin, Sophie Tucker, George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Dinah Shore--only a few of the 20th century jazz giants who were of Jewish background--is the subject of a new course taught by Mark Levy. The course will trace the development of America's jazz singers, composers and instrumentalists through the Dixieland, ragtime, swing, bebop, modern and post-modern periods. Hear rare recordings of these innovators and see footage from early talking pictures of their later Hollywood appearances. The class will highlight the careers of several notable Jewish jazz artists and composers beginning with their immigration to the US or Canada and their early exposure to Black jazz music. Some basic theory will be discussed, but not musical training is necessary.