Home, Harmony and Hope Birmingham & Chicago

WORKSHOP LEADER(S): Dr. Keith Magee, Institute of Advanced Studies Honorary Distinguished Fellow

In places where some saw possibilities and others sought to conquer dismal realities, music provided harmony and hope. Drawing upon influences from London to Kingston, New Orleans to Liverpool, and Birmingham to Chicago, melodies created in echoing stairwells, outdoor courtyards and blacktops, nearby churches, and neighbourhood pubs were set to stories from around the world to communicate the commonalities of urban places called home.

In conjunction with an exhibition, in the Bramall until April 17, a panel discussion will further explore the lives of diverse Birmingham and Chicago residents, examining how challenging urban realities impacted upon the role of music as marker of collective consciousness, identity and history.

Panelists:

Tasawar Bashir, Director, Cultural Intelligence Agency, Ph.D. Candidate in Modern Qawwali, University of Birmingham, and Artist in Residence at New Art Exchange, Nottingham.

Professor Paul Long, Professor of Media and Cultural History and Director, Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research

Dr. Keith Magee, IAS Honorary Distinguished Fellow, University of Birmingham; Founding Director, National Public Housing Museum; and Director, Social Justice Institute Boston University School of Theology

Mr. Jim Simpson, Founder, Big Bear Records

Moderator:

Professor Andrew Kirkman, Peyton and Barber Professor of Music, University of Birmingham

The event is free but registration is advised.