Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jazz Research and the Gift of Music

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

Spending time working with jazz-related primary sources in the archives of the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution reminds me of why I love reading and writing about jazz almost as much as I love teaching about and listening … Continue reading →

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The Revolution Is Now Being Televised and Tweeted!

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

I am pleased to announce that the 2017 issue of The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs is now available online.  The theme for this issue is “The Revolution Is Now Being Televised and Tweeted: Black Protest, Preaching, and (Re)Presentations, From … Continue reading →

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Scott-Heron, Hughes, and the Blues

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

The more I learn about Gil Scott-Heron, the more I admire him.  I have long been familiar with his work as a poet, pianist, composer, spoken word artist, and the youthful voice of Black protest in the 20th century. It … Continue reading →

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The DC Living Heritage Network and the Art and Science of Strengthening Humanities Organizations in DC

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

In the short time that I have been aware of and actively participating in the small group meetings of the DC Living Heritage Network (DCLHN), I have come to appreciate the vital role that creative thinkers play in both the … Continue reading →

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Covers, Echoes, and New Music from Gregory Porter

Posted on July 28, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

What happens when Gregory Porter covers the Temptations (and others’) “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” echoes passages from Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?,” and writes, records, and shares his own 21st-century soulful jazz compositions with the world?  Great music– over … Continue reading →

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Lena Horne: Life, Music, Struggle, and Success

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

As I join others in  commemorating the centennial of the birth of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne (1917-2010), I am reminded of the struggles and triumphs of African American musical artists–in both their public careers and private lives. This week, I … Continue reading →

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“Call and Response” with Keter and Ella

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

The summer of 2017 has been a wonderful season of teaching and learning for me, especially when it comes to those lessons about outstanding musicians.  The music of bassist Keter Betts (1928-2005), for example, continues to provide abundant evidence of … Continue reading →

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Singing, Swinging, and Bopping with Dizzy, Ella, and Lena!

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

I am certain that writer-photographer William Gottlieb enjoyed his work as a journalist, especially since it afforded him countless opportunities to see and hear many of the greatest jazz artists of all time–including Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne.  … Continue reading →

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Heading “Back to School” in Maryland This Summer and Taking Some of My Favorite Former Washingtonians with Me!

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

It’s “Back to School” month for the students in my “Jazz Age and the Harlem Renissance” class at Montgomery College, and I would like to invite you to join us in reading (and/or viewing and listening to) materials related to … Continue reading →

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Never a Dull Moment in Washington, DC’s Shaw-Howard Community!

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

I am very fond of the people in Washington, DC’s Shaw-Howard Community–especially those who live, work, and worship on or near Ninth Street, NW.  On any given Sunday, you are likely to see them heading to the historic Shiloh Baptist … Continue reading →

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