Celebrate Black women at free Figge event
To kick off Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 1, the Figge Art Museum will present a video and live program, “Women that ‘Swung’ the Band: Little-Known African American Women Musicians and Composers.”
The free event (at 5:30 p.m., with a 5 p.m. reception at the second-floor auditorium) is in partnership with the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts.
You can dive into the rich history of jazz music and discover the vital contributions of African American women from the 1930s to the 1950s. These trailblazers played pivotal roles in big jazz bands, yet their stories have remained largely untold, according to an Azubuike release. The program aims to shed light on these remarkable women, celebrating their influence in an era that transformed music and culture.
This evening is not just an exploration of history; it’s a journey into the heart of jazz, art, and the profound impact of African American women during the Jazz Age.
Azubuike president Gaye Burnett said Tuesday they hope to honor African-American women’s “remarkable yet often overlooked contributions to the music industry, particularly during the 1930s to 1950s. We are focusing on those who composed music, played instruments such as horns and saxophones, and led their own big bands,” she said by email.
The event will showcase videos and clips from films that document the journey of these pioneering women. “Additionally, we are excited to feature a short dramatic performance by Teresa Moore and Anthony Mitchell, which will undoubtedly add a unique and engaging dimension to the evening,” Burnett said.
The spotlight will be on the International Sweethearts of Rhythm (the first integrated all-women band in the nation) and the Harlem Play Girls, two prominent all-female bands of that era. They also will celebrate the achievements of extraordinary musicians like Anna Mae Winburn, Tiny Davis, Mary Lou Williams, and Dorothy Donegan, among others.
“These women made significant contributions to the music industry, and their little-known stories are an inspiration,” Burnett said.
Through a blend of dialogue, music, and visual elements, Teresa Moore and Anthony Mitchell will retell the story of these women’s struggles, triumphs, and immense talent, “providing a vivid glimpse into their groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated industry,” she added.
“This event will be a powerful way to bring awareness to these influential African American female musicians and their enduring legacy in the world of jazz and beyond,” Burnett said.
The Figge is at 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport.
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