Armstrong International Continuum Presents Virtual Symposium and Concert

Event organized by Columbia University’s Center for Jazz Studies in conjunction with the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation to feature Sonny Rollins, Gary Giddins, Angela Davis, Aidan Levy, Robin D. G. Kelley, Terri Lyne Carrington and others

Published June 10, 2022 Lee Mergner

Columbia University’s Center for Jazz Studies, in conjunction with the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation (LAEF), is presenting the 2022 Louis Armstrong International Continuum: Armstrong & Company in the form of a virtual symposium and concert set for June 13-19, 2022. Each day features a different panel or interview session that starts at 9 a.m. ET. Among the participants are Sonny Rollins, Gary Giddins, Ned Sublette, Angela Davis, Robin D.G. Kelley, Nichole Rustin-Paschal, Terri Lyne Carrington, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Theo Croker, and others. The event ends with concerts by Nnenna Freelon and Quiana Lynell, as well as a special award presentation to Ran Blake, the pianist and longtime jazz educator who will receive the 2022 Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation SATCHMO™ award. In addition to the usual exploration of Armstrong’s artistry and influence, the symposium will look at the trumpeter’s work with fellow artists and global leaders during times of global crisis.

“As Albert Murray once remarked, ‘Louis Armstrong is the Prometheus of jazz,’” said Wynton Marsalis, President of LAEF and Artistic and Managing Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, in a press release received at JazzTimes. “Like Prometheus, Armstrong shared the full fire of his artistic gifts with his fellow musicians and with the world. He was always ready to show up anytime, anywhere ‘in the cause of happiness.’”

The event is free and open to the public. A complete schedule is below. Visit the International Continuum’s website for details on the event and to attend virtually.

Schedule of events:
(NOTE: All sessions start at 9 a.m. ET)

Monday, June 13: Q & A
Sonny Rollins
Aidan Levy

Tuesday, June 14: Armstrong and Company
Gary Giddins
Ned Sublette
Nichole Rustin-Paschal
Moderated by Robert G. O’Meally

Wednesday, June 15: Listening to Pops on Record
Allan Harris
Charles Tolliver
Theo Croker
Moderated by Aidan Levy

Thursday, June 16: Interview
Ran Blake, 2022 Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation “SATCHMO” Award recipient and pianist/composer
Conducted by David Chevan

Friday, June 17: Armstrong on Film
Kevin Whitehead
Racquel Gates
Moderated by Krin Gabbard