Dominican University Hosts

Blues and the Spirit III:

A Symposium on Race, Gender and The Blues

Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19

Dominican University (located just minutes from the Chicago Loop) is once again partnering with Living Blues Magazine to host the Blues and the Spirit symposium on May 18-19, 2012. This unique gathering continues the dialogue initiated at the last symposium in 2010 about racial appropriation and gender representations in the Blues. Plenaries and panels will feature an eclectic group of young scholars, prominent musicologists, writers, musicians, industry leaders and interested members of the general public. Participants will also be treated to two nights of first-class Chicago blues in well-known area clubs.
  • Friday keynote address by Zandria F. Robinson, James M. and Madeleine M. McMullan Professor of Southern Studies, University of Mississippi
  • Saturday closing keynote by Mark Anthony Neal, Professor of African and African American Studies, Duke University
  • Multimedia presentation by Stephanie Shonekan, Assistant Professor in Black World Studies and the School of Music, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • Blues Summit on the state and future of contemporary blues with prominent musicians and industry representatives
  • Panels and presentations by scholars, writers, musicians and industry leaders
  • Blues and the Spirit Award presented to Marie Dixon, President and CEO of Blues Heaven Foundation and widow of Willie Dixon
  • Brown bag lunch on Friday and Friday and Saturday evening receptions
  • Friday evening Blues club outing showcasing the Best of Chicago's Blues Divas
  • Saturday evening after-party at Rosa's Lounge with internationally acclaimed,Grammy winner Sugar Blue

$75 registration fee includes ALL events on campus May 18 and 19th (plenaries, panels, presentations, and receptions), round-trip bus transportation to Blues clubs and club cover charges on Friday and Saturday nights. Reasonably priced and no-frills on-campus lodging options are available in limited numbers (Singles at $50; doubles at $90 and suites for up to four people for $160 per night).   Register now.