Film History of America's Music Continues at MSU

A series about film history of American music continues at Midwestern State University thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). MSU's Moffett Library is one of 76 sites nationwide to receive a $1,500 grant to support the screenings.

The film discussion series, America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway, chronicles the history of distinctly American music genres. Assistant Professor of Music Alan Black will serve as the project scholar who will moderate the six films: The Blues and Gospel Music, Tin Pan Alley and Broadway, Swing Jazz, Bluegrass and Country Music, Rock, From Mambo to Hip Hop.

"We have lined up an outstanding group of scholars and performers," said MSU Librarian Clara Latham, who obtained the grant through the American Library Association, the NEH, and the Tribeca Film Institute. "We hope that MSU students, faculty, staff, and local community members come out and enjoy each performance at the Museum of Art at MSU," Latham said.

With so few of the funds granted nationwide, Black said that MSU was fortunate to be part of the program. He will introduce the films, then lead a discussion after the showings. Live performances will close out the sessions. Native Wichitan and Broadway producer Rich Affannato is scheduled to lead the discussion and perform for the Broadway and Tin Pan Alley film.

All screenings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU. Dates, films, and scheduled performers are:

Oct. 3 - Swing Jazz, Ken Nelson Quartet.

Oct. 10 - Country and Bluegrass, Dan Miller Trio and Joe Specht.

Oct. 24 - Rock, Black and White Band.

Nov. 7 - Latin Rhythms from Mambo to Hip Hop, Marvin Weaver.

The Tribeca Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) year-round nonprofit arts organization founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in the wake of September 11, 2001. DVDs of the series will be available for viewing at MSU's Moffett Library after the series concludes.

"America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway" is a project by the Tribeca Film Institute in collaboration with the American Library Association, Tribeca Flashpoint, and the Society for American Music. "America's Music" has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.