SUCH SWEET THUNDER LECTURE
Views on Black American Music
A lecture/ photography/ music presentation
by Mark Baszak

Based on Such Sweet Thunder: Views on Black American Music this interactive live Power Point presentation gives a general overview of black music history in the 20th Century from the multiple perspectives of Such Sweet Thunder's renowned authors and performers.

For almost thirty years (from 1971 - 1999), the University of Massachusetts was the site of an annual Black Musicians Conference and Festival that brought many innovators and pioneers of black music to Amherst. This presentation highlights the best moments from 1989 - 1999 captured on audiotape, in print, on classic recordings , and in photographs.

Beginning with the creative invention of rap and hip hop, the latest evolution in black music history, Baszak's presentation takes a look back in time into the influences of jazz, gospel and blues on a variety of musical styles, and the music's enduring impact on American history and world culture.

Fee: negotiable, plus travel, accommodations and meals (if applicable). Fee includes a signed copy of Such Sweet Thunder: Views on Black American Music.

Presentation Length: 60 - 90 minutes

Equipment Required: An LCD projector & projection screen

Bookings: Arrangements can be made by calling 413.533.6568, or 413.545.3530, or by email at: mbaszak@admin.umass.edu.

Such Sweet Thunder's Contributing Authors: B. Dexter Allgood, Teodross Avery, Jean Bach, Mark Baszak, Playthell Benjamin, Milton Biggham, Patti Bown, Horace Clarence Boyer, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Phyl Garland, Leonard Goines, Leslie Gourse, Daphne Duval Harrison, Jon Hendricks, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, Paul Kahn, Bill Lowe, Peter Manuel, Portia Maultsby, Amina Claudine Myers, Vernon Reid, Hildred Roach, Glenn Siegel, Billy Taylor, Frederick Tillis, Jeff Todd Titon, Steven Tracy, Peter Watrous, and Marvin Winans.

Featuring Photographs of: Amiri Baraka, Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Doc Cheatham, Dorothy Donegan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nnenna Freelon, Abdullah Ibrahim, Christian McBride, Jackie McLean, Bobby McFerrin, Odetta, Max Roach, Archie Shepp, Richard Smallwood, Dakota Staton, Sarah Vaughan, Marlena Shaw, Willia Ward, Claude Williams, and Marion Williams, among many others.

Mark Baszak received his B.A. in Music and his M.Ed. with a concentration in creativity and human development from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. During his career at the University's Fine Arts Center, he was director of the Performing Arts Division (a community school for the performing arts), director of Five College Educational Programs, and associate director of the Department of Multicultural Programs and the Black Musicians Conference and Festival. He currently is the director of Jazz in July Summer Music Programs, and is a freelance writer and musician.

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