Dominican University Hosts

Blues and the Spirit III:

A Symposium on Race, Gender and The Blues

Registration is now closed.  We are at capacity!

Thanks to the Blues Community for your support.

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.

Symposium Check-In Information

Symposium Registration and General Information for Participants 
You should pick up your registration packet at the Shaffer Silveri Atrium in Parmer Hall (west side of campus adjacent to the soccer field), between 4:00pm and 6:00pm on Friday, May 18.  If you are coming in on Saturday, May 19th, you may pick up your packet between 8:30 and 11:30am.  The packet contains your symposium badge, program, wristbands, and campus map. Make sure to wear your badge whenever you are in attendance at the panels and presentations and put on your wristbands prior to boarding the bus for the club excursions on Friday and Saturday nights. You must be 21 or older for the club excursions and you will not be admitted to the club venues unless you wear a wristband and present ID.
The symposium fee includes two receptions with food and beverages, one on Friday evening honoring Spirit Award recipient Marie Dixon and prior to the bus departure to Harlem Avenue Lounge, and the other on Saturday evening following the closing keynote address and prior to bus departure to Rosa's Lounge.  Coffee and rolls will be offered on Saturday morning between 9:00am-10:00am  in the Fine Arts Slate Lobby prior to the opening keynote by Zandria Robinson, and a brown bag lunch and beverage will be provided on Saturday. Vending machines with light snacks and beverage options and limited coffee service are available throughout the day on Saturday in the Shaffer Silveri Atrium in Parmer Hall.
 
Please check the online program for times and locations of all symposium events.  All panels, presentations and receptions are located within a short walking distance, in the Shaffer Silveri Atrium and in the Bluhm Auditorium in Parmer Hall, or in the Martin Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building.  The Centennial Hall residence is also nearby.
 
Parking
On-campus parking is free for symposium participants. When you check in, please let us know if you are parking a vehicle on campus overnight and we will provide you with a parking permit to be displayed on your dashboad.
 
Residence Hall Check-In
If you have reserved a room in the residence halls, you may pick up your key and check in to your room between 3:00pm and 6:00pm on May 18.  If you expect to arrive later, please let us know.  Residence hall check-in is in Coughlin Commons on the east end of campus and all rooms will be located in the adjoining Centennial Hall.  You must check out on Sunday, May 20, by 11:00am.   The accommodations are basic, linens are provided, but you should bring extra towels and your own personal hygiene items.  

 

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