Dave Brubeck’s Music and Legacy: Jazz as a Language of Peace and Diplomacy

Simon Rowe – Piano; Executive Director of the Brubeck Institute
Melanie O’Reilly – Guest vocalist & MC for this event

The legendary Dave Brubeck believed in the power of music to transform lives as well as to enlighten and entertain. Dr Simon Rowe, Executive Director of The Brubeck Institute, will present talk-with music about the impact of Dave Brubeck on Twentieth Century Western culture. Beginning as a promising young jazz pianist, Dave’s 70 year journey brought him from the battlefields of WWII as an American GI, to concert hall stages around the world as composer, bandleader and jazz ambassador.

Dr Rowe, himself a jazz pianist will speak about Brubeck’s fearless approach to art and life and will also perform some of Brubeck’s famous pieces.

Simon will be joined by international jazz singer Melanie O’Reilly, creator and host of the award-winning radio series Jazz on the Bay, who will sing some of Brubeck’s songs, and she will also MC this event.

The Brubeck Institute was established by the University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave and Lola Brubeck.

The mission of the institute is to build on Dave Brubeck’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to music, creativity, education and the advancement of important social issues including civil rights, international relations, environmental concerts, and social justice.

The Institute maintains its five programs, including the Brubeck Collection, Brubeck Festival, Brubeck Fellowship Program, Summer Jazz Colony, and the Outreach Program.

Free for I-House Residents & UC Berkeley Affiliates/ $5.00 Community