PDX Jazz is proud to present the third program in its adult education series, Discover Jazz.  This free event, titled “The Political Implications of James Baldwin’s Jazz Short Story Sonny’s Blues,” will be held at the offices of Literary Arts, at 925 SW Washington Street.

Reed College Professor and PDX Jazz Board Member Pancho Savery will host the evening’s events, including a lecture, recorded music, and discussion.  In this presentation, Mr. Savery will focus on James Baldwin’s classic short story “Sonny’s Blues,” which pits two brothers against each other.  The older one, unnamed, is a straight-laced vet who is now a married math teacher; and his younger brother, Sonny, a recovering drug addict, is a jazz piano player. What does it mean that one brother’s idea of jazz is Louis Armstrong, and the other’s is Charlie Parker?  How much, if any, does this difference make, and does this difference have any political implications?

This event is free to the public on a first-come, first-served seating basis.  Wine and food will be available. The first event Mr. Savery hosted was filled to capacity, so we advise an early arrival.

In anticipation of the event, you can read Baldwin’s story by clicking here.