I’VE KNOWN RIVERS: PRESENTING AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY

The Association of African American Museums invites you to attend the 2010 Annual Conference to be held August 4-7, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted by the August Wilson Center for African American Culture.

I’ve Known Rivers: Presenting African American Arts, Culture & History has sessions planned which will address several questions that pertain to the strategies for survival in metropolitan centers. How have recent exhibitions managed to combine new and existing historical research with an ever-changing technology, while maintaining the integrity of the individual, the story and the craft? African American museums often bear the responsibility of balancing best museum practices with the need to preserve and interpret vital historical and cultural events.


FEATURED 2010 PLENARY SESSION:
Friday, August 6
“Land of the Giant Killers: Pittsburgh’s Jazz Legacy”
3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
(This session will be held at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture.)
Pittsburgh has one of the most impressive rosters of jazz artists of any city in the world and count among the most influential in the history of jazz. Learn about the importance of Pittsburgh jazz artists from Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Strayhorn, Erroll Garner, Roy Eldridge, Billy Eckstine, George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Paul Chambers, Dakota Staton, Ahmad Jamal, Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, Grover Mitchell, Ray Brown and many more.
Chair: Gregory Carroll, American Jazz Museum
Panelists: Dr. Nelson Harrison, Jazz Musician; Kevin Amos, Jazz Broadcaster; and Marty Ashby, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Jazz Program.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Thursday, August 5
“Drums, Jazz and Soul”
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh
Just a few blocks from the Westin, AAAM will be the special guest of the Senator John Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate and the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment by Pittsburgh area caterers, African Drummers and live Jazz. With over 78,000 square feet of exhibitions experience African American history and culture with a quilt exhibit dedicated to the Pittsburgh Courier by renowned fiber artist Tina Williams Brewer and exhibitions featuring Pittsburgh Jazz innovators, sports, and special collections. Sponsored by the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Friday, August 6
“Pittsburgh: Reclaim, Renew, Remix”
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
August Wilson Center for African American Culture
Across the street from the Westin Convention Center is the newest member to downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. The Center’s vision is unique in that it combines visual and performing arts presentations with the express goal of integrating programs that support artistic cross-fertilization and linkages through shared themes. Each exhibit highlights a distinct approach to preserving and displaying the visual art and material culture of people of African descent.
Come experience a full array of programs and activities during the reception including performances in the theatre, tour of the exhibits, food, beverage and the Burroughs-Wright Fellowship live auction. And for those wanting to unwind with a splendid live music – prepare to party the night away!

For more information and to register go to:
http://www.blackmuseums.org/prodev/conference.htm