Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalists, 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.

The lecture/performance includes the following:

Program begins with a brief performance by Galen followed by 60 minutes PowerPoint presentation with samples of artist's music. Galen performs at certain intervals of the presentation and will have a 5 minute Q & A.

Reservations are recommended.