‘Songs and Stories’ Features Jazz Greats, Smooth Sounds in Monthly Series

Songs and Stories Jazz Greats

Free Program Brings Jazz History, Music to N.C. History Center Feb. 19

Tryon Palace will host the free program “Songs and Stories: A Survey of Jazz Greats Mary Lou Williams and Dr. Billy Taylor, Jr.” at the North Carolina History Center Thursday, Feb. 19.

Jazz and blues historian Jacqueline B. Atkinson will provide a glimpse into the lives and artistic creations of jazz pianists and composers Mary Lou Williams and Dr. Billy Taylor, Jr. In addition, jazz and blues vocalist Willie E. Atkinson and his transitional jazz trio will perform the jazz and blues pieces that made the art form such a popular genre throughout the world.

Willie E. Atkinson’s Transitional Jazz Trio is comprised of East Carolina University instructor and jazz pianist Ryan Hanseler, Wake Forest University and High Point University instructor and double bassist Matt Kendrick, and percussionist Michael Hanson.

The Tryon Palace African American Lecture Series offers a free, new program on the third Thursday of each month. All performances begin at 7 p.m. in Cullman Performance Hall and are free, thanks to a generous donation from the Harold H. Bate Foundation.

Special hearing devices are available if needed. Contact Tryon Palace 48 hours in advance of the performance to make arrangements.

For more information call 252-639-3500 or visit www.tryonpalace.org.

Upcoming events at Tryon Palace include:

Feb. 21: Carolina Chamber Music Festival

Feb. 28: Our Country, Our State

March 1: ENCWA Bridal Show

Submitted by: Craig Ramey, Marketing and Communications, Manager