|
For general questions about reservations or event details, please contact the DC Public Library location you are planning to visit. For those in need of disability services related to event registration or room reservation, please reach out to the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess@dc.gov. |
Register 74 Seats Remaining
Celebrate Black History Music and learn the history of the blues. Presented by the Washington Jazz Arts Institute, enjoy a mix of lecture and live blues music.
Celebrate Black History Month with the blues!
Join us on Sunday, February 8, at 2pm in the auditorium at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library for a presentation by the Washington Jazz Arts Institute on the history of the blues. Presented by the Washington Jazz Arts Institute, enjoy a mix of lecture and live blues music.
The event is open to all. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Join us for toe tapping, hand clapping good time.
About the Presenters
Husband and wife team Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams share a passion for and commitment to music and art in the Washington, DC and metropolitan community. That passion led to the co-founding of what is known today as the Washington Jazz Arts Institute. Established in 1998, The Washington Jazz Arts Institute is an extension of the District’s legacy of artistry, education and mentoring. Esther and Davey, along with their accomplished staff, guide young musicians through instruction, lecture, professional workshops, mentor opportunities and performance with their peers for diverse audiences.
Davey Yarborough is the president and artistic director of The Washington Jazz Arts Institute. In 2019, Davey retired from Duke Ellington School of the Arts after 40 years of service as a jazz educator. His lifelong commitment to mentoring young musicians was recognized in 2017 when he was inducted into the Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame, and the following year in the Downbeat Magazine Jazz Educator Hall of Fame.
As a performer, bandleader, composer and arranger, Davey has worked with Sir Roland Hanna, Keter Betts, Billy Eckstine, Buck Hill, Shirley Horn, Lena Horne and Joe Williams, to name a few. He has also collaborated with trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis, performing on Marsalis’ Making the Music series on National Public Radio (NPR).
Esther Williams started her professional career in earnest as a vocalist when capturing the title of Miss Black DC. She toured Germany with the Miss Black America Tour and her many guest appearances included national and international venues and many guest appearances on national television and radio programs.
Esther landed a recording contract with Friends and Company Records after a producer heard vocals she had recorded for others. She recorded two successful dance albums for Friends and another successful album for RCA records. “Beautiful Friendship”, was released in 2004 by Esther and saxophonist, Davey Yarborough to great reviews.
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults | 13 - 19 Years Old (Teens) |
EVENT TYPE: | Musical Performance | Lecture | Educational Program | Civic Engagement | Black History Month |
