Virtual - Women in Jazz

Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalist, but as instrumentalists, composers and arrangers. An understanding of jazz would not be complete without highlighting the influence and contributions of women—women such as Bessie Smith, Valaida Snow, Mildred Bailey, Mary Lou Williams, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn. The goal is to provide an understanding particularly of their personal lives, their ability to read music, perform and survive in a time when jazz was considered “a man’s world”. It also covers the full spectrum of years, genre, recordings, and recognized achievements.

Galen Abdur-Razzaq is a Master Flautist and lecturer. He lectures and performs on the topic of history of jazz, its historical significance and the most influential contributors, and teaches music theory and appreciation classes. He also teaches and writes classical music/chamber music, performs at major festivals, conventions and special events with fifteen years experience teaching music at intermediate and high school levels.

In partnership with East Lyme Public Library, New Britain Public Library, Terryville Public Library, Canton Public Library, Farmington Public Library and Plainville Library. Register for the Zoom link.