WAUKESHA – Putting jazz and poetry together seems natural at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. Combining them became a formal pursuit in 1998, when the 3-credit Jazz in Literature course was introduced.
An outgrowth of that course, the 7th annual Jazz & Poetry Jam will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, in the dining area of the Commons on campus at 1500 N. University Dr., Waukesha. The free evening of entertainment is open to the public.
The jam provides a creative outlet for students and community members. Students from the Jazz in Literature course read original works of poetry in response to jazz, a piece of jazz music, or a jazz musician. The UW-Waukesha Jazz Ensemble and a rhythm section provide live accompaniment for them. Members of the community are allowed an opportunity to read their own work as well.
Since UW-Waukesha wedded jazz and poetry, the nation has accepted them as natural partners as well. Rounding the edges of its reputation as the “cruelest month,” April now is recognized as National Poetry Month and as Jazz Appreciation Month. The Academy of American Poets instituted the former in 1996, and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History secured the latter honor in 2001.
Offered each spring semester, the interdisciplinary Jazz in Literature course is team taught by Phil Zweifel, associate professor of English and associate campus dean, and Craig Hurst, director of bands and associate professor of music. Zweifel will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the jam.
The freshman-sophomore UW-Waukesha campus offers the foundation courses needed as the basis for a college degree. For information about UW-Waukesha, contact the Student Services office at (262) 521-5200 or visit the Web at waukesha.uwc.edu. |
