Music of Resistance: Three Centuries of Les Cenelles

Description

Join us for a special program blending musical performance, lecture, and poetry that will bring three centuries of cultural and literary resistance to life. Les Cenelles—a reference to the robust, hearty berry native to Louisiana—has convened as a revolutionary organization three times in history: through the 1845 publication Les Cenelles: Choix de poesies indigenes, considered the first anthology of African American poetry; Les Cenelles Society of Arts and Letters, a mid-20th century salon-style academic group; and today, as a cutting-edge ensemble using words and music. All are iterations of the same revolutionary concept. The program will feature the Les Cenelles ensemble—Denise Frazier, Joseph B. Darensbourg, and Peter J. Bowling—and guest scholar Lloyd Pratt, New Orleans-area native and professor at St. John’s College at Oxford University. Together, they will share music and insights into the politics of African American poetry, literature, and music. Admission is free with registration required—space is limited.