FOLK LEGEND ODETTA BRINGS SONGS, STORIES
TO UH
Odetta’s soulful voice and songs of strength have inspired
fans of folk music including artists like Bob Dylan and U.S. President
Bill Clinton. Soon, the famed singer and activist will bring her
inimitable vocals and messages of social justice to the University
of Houston for two days of music and discussion.
Odetta will discuss her music and role during the Civil Rights
movement during an invitation-only dinner with Houston educators
at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the O’Quinn Great Hall in
UH’s Athletics/Alumni Center. She also will perform “Songs
of Social Change,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 in UH’s
Cullen Performance Hall. This concert is free and open to the public.
Trained as a classical vocalist, Odetta’s forays into folk
music began during visits to San Francisco coffee houses in the
early 1950s. While performing in New York, she caught the attention
of folk star Pete Seeger and vocalist/actor Harry Belafonte, both
of whom helped introduce her to larger audiences. In 1954, she made
her recording debut with “The Tin Angel.”
In addition to her status as a folk icon, Odetta is known for her
work as an activist promoting civil and women’s rights. In
1963, she participated in the famous “March on Washington.”
Artists she has collaborated with during her career include Dylan,
Seeger, Johnny Cash and Joan Baez. In 1999, President Bill Clinton
presented Odetta with the National Endowment for the Arts' Medal
of the Arts.
Odetta’s appearance on campus is sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Education Teaching American History Grant Partners including
UH’s College of Education and Department of History, Houston
Independent School District, Region IV Education Service Center
and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
WHAT: |
Odetta: Discussion and Dinner with Educators and
“Songs for Social Change” |
WHEN: |
Discussion and Dinner with Education 5:30 p.m. Wednesday,
Feb. 9 “Songs for Social Change” 7:30 p.m. Thursday,
Feb. 10 |
WHERE: |
Discussion and Dinner – O’Quinn Great Hall in
Athletics/Alumni Center “Songs for Social Change”
– Cullen Performance Hall, Entrance 1 |
WHO: |
University of Houston |
For more information about UH visit
the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
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